The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has initiated licencing for virtual private networks (VPNs) for commercial use, according to a press release.
So far, two companies have been granted licences for VPN services under the category of “Class License for the Provision of Data Services”, the PTA says in the press release published on Monday. A class licence typically permits multiple users to operate under the same set of rules without any need for approval on an individual basis.
“This initiative enables businesses to utilize VPNs for lawful purposes, ensuring data security, privacy, and regulatory compliance while promoting transparency,” reads the press release. “PTA remains committed to supporting organizations in meeting their connectivity needs responsibly.”
However, VPN service providers will only benefit commercial users and there is no clarity on how individuals will avail VPN services in the country. The regulator was initially inclined towards banning VPNs, but decided against it later.
The use of VPNs witnessed a significant rise in the country after social networking platform X was blocked nearly two weeks after the general elections, which were held in February last year. After weeks of denial, the government eventually acknowledged the ban and pinned it on threats to national security.
The platform remains suspended.
