The Indian government has issued directions and notices to Google and Apple to remove certain mobile applications alleged to be capable of shutting down e-rickshaw batteries. According to reports citing the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), the action follows complaints from e-rickshaw drivers about operational disruptions believed to be caused by the misuse of these apps.
MeitY has reportedly directed the platforms to take down seven specific apps associated with the alleged battery shutdown functionality. The notices request removal from app stores and other steps to prevent access to the applications in question.
The reports frame the move as an effort to address safety and service concerns affecting e-rickshaw operations. While details of how the apps trigger battery shutdowns are not provided in the available summaries, the government’s intervention centers on whether the applications can be misused to interfere with the power systems used in e-rickshaws.
The government’s action is ongoing, with the companies expected to comply with the directives regarding the listed apps.
