Federal Government Sets Deadline to Block Illegal VPNs in Pakistan The federal government has announced a new deadline of November 30, 2024, for blocking unauthorized virtual private networks (VPNs) in Pakistan. The move aims to address security concerns and restrict access to objectionable content.
Key Highlights
- Reasons for VPN Ban:
- VPNs are reportedly being used by terrorists for secret communications and financial transactions.
- They are also used to access pornographic and blasphemous content, which contradicts the country’s moral and legal standards.
- Pakistan’s Ranking in VPN Usage:
- Pakistan is among the top countries using VPNs to visit restricted websites, especially pornographic platforms, raising serious concerns.
- Implementation Plan:
- The government has requested the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to block all illegal VPNs while ensuring registered VPN users are not affected.
- Legitimate VPN users must register their services with PTA by the November 30, 2024, deadline.
| Key Issue | Details |
|---|---|
| Security Concerns | VPNs exploited by terrorists for secret use |
| Content Access | Access to pornographic/blasphemous websites |
| Registration Deadline | November 30, 2024 |
| Responsible Authority | Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) |
Impacts and Next Steps
The ban is expected to reduce illegal activities and control access to restricted content. Legitimate users, such as IT companies and freelancers, are advised to complete the registration process to avoid service disruption. This step reflects the government’s efforts to maintain security and uphold moral standards in the digital space.