Viral Videos Show BAT-BMS App Used to Remotely Disable E-Rickshaws in India
Viral videos across social media show people using the Chinese BAT-BMS app to remotely disable e-rickshaws by cutting power to their Bluetooth-enabled batteries. The app, designed for legitimate battery monitoring, can control certain lithium batteries but requires specific access credentials. Some low-cost batteries lack password protection, allowing misuse within Bluetooth range. This trend, framed as a prank or retaliation against e-rickshaw drivers, raises safety concerns and highlights vulnerabilities in vehicle cybersecurity, affecting drivers' livelihoods and road safety.
First-hand measurement across 6 sources
We measured how 6 outlets covered this story. Coverage leans balanced overall (Left 6%, Centre 92%, Right 2%). Overall sentiment is neutral (41/100). Lens Score 31/100 — low public interest.
Outlets analysed (first-hand measurement by TBN's Bias Engine):
- freepressjournal— balanced framing, negative sentiment
- businessstandard— balanced framing, neutral sentiment
- indiatvnews— balanced framing, neutral sentiment
- timesnow— balanced framing, neutral sentiment
- news18— balanced framing, neutral sentiment
- indiatoday— balanced framing, neutral sentiment
AI Analysis
The article group presents multiple perspectives, including concerns from social media users about safety and ethics, explanations of the app's intended function, and the impact on e-rickshaw drivers. Coverage includes criticism of misuse and calls for better cybersecurity without favoring any political stance. The framing is largely technical and social, focusing on public safety and livelihood issues rather than political debate.
The overall sentiment is mixed, combining alarm and criticism of the misuse of the BAT-BMS app with empathy for affected drivers. While some social media reactions express frustration or justify the pranks, many sources highlight the dangerous consequences and ethical concerns. The tone balances reporting on the viral trend with cautionary notes about safety and the need for improved protections.