BREAKING: Govt removes 2 Chinese apps linked to e-rickshaw control, plans strict app store action

The Central Government has initiated strong action against two Chinese-origin mobile applications allegedly linked to the operation and control of battery-powered e-rickshaw systems in India. According to official inputs, the apps—identified in reports as BAT and BMS—have been removed following concerns over data security, operational control, and unauthorized management of driver networks. Sources suggest that these platforms were being used to regulate e-rickshaw drivers through centralized digital systems, influencing ride allocation, route management, and income distribution mechanisms. This raised serious concerns regarding transparency, user consent, and potential foreign access to sensitive operational data. Following media reports and internal review, the government has not only directed their removal but is also preparing to engage with major app store operators. The objective is to ensure that such applications are permanently delisted and cannot be reintroduced through alternative listings or future updates. Officials are also examining whether stricter regulatory frameworks should be implemented for mobility-based applications that manage large informal transport networks such as e-rickshaws. The move is seen as part of a broader effort to strengthen digital sovereignty and protect local transport ecosystems from external influence. Authorities are expected to expand their scrutiny to similar platforms operating in the mobility and logistics sector, especially those handling large-scale driver data without adequate regulatory oversight. The development comes amid increasing concerns about the misuse of app-based systems in semi-formal transport sectors, where digital platforms often operate without clear regulatory boundaries. The government’s action signals a potential tightening of norms for foreign-linked applications operating in India’s mobility infrastructure. Further details are awaited as discussions with app store providers and cybersecurity agencies continue. The move could set a precedent for future restrictions on apps deemed to pose risks to national data security and transport governance systems.