Why the government removed two e-rickshaw apps from app stores over safety concerns

New Delhi: The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has confirmed that two mobile applications allegedly linked to the malfunctioning of e-rickshaws have been removed from app stores, amid growing concerns over their misuse.

Speaking on Friday, MeitY Secretary S Krishnan said the apps were taken down shortly after they came to the government's attention.

"There are a couple of apps which came up to our notice yesterday. Both of them have been taken down from the app stores," Krishnan said while responding to a question on applications allegedly connected to e-rickshaw-related fraud.

The development follows reports from several e-rickshaw drivers who claimed their vehicles had experienced sudden stoppages and operational disruptions allegedly triggered by the apps. Authorities believe the applications were being misused to prank users or interfere with the functioning of connected e-rickshaws, raising concerns over both passenger safety and cybersecurity.

Krishnan said app stores have a responsibility to ensure that applications made available to users do not facilitate unlawful activities or pose risks to public safety.

"The idea is that this is due care that the app stores have to exercise and we will take it up with the app stores to see that possibly damaging apps do not come up," he said.

The incident has renewed focus on the need for stronger oversight of digital applications capable of interacting with connected devices.

India has seen rapid growth in the use of electric rickshaws as an affordable and environmentally friendly mode of transport, particularly for last-mile connectivity in urban and semi-urban areas. As connected mobility and smartphone-based services expand, authorities are increasingly focusing on strengthening safeguards against malicious software and cyber-enabled fraud.

The government has in recent years stepped up efforts to improve cybersecurity and digital trust through measures under the Information Technology framework, while working with digital intermediaries to prevent harmful applications and online content from reaching users.