September 12, 2022 – The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has issued a new deadline for internet users to register their Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) with the regulator and avoid disruption.
The telecom regulator has repeated its earlier warning that the use of VPNs is against its rules. “Usage of any mode of communication by means of which communication becomes hidden or encrypted is a violation of PTA regulations,” the authority said in a notification posted on September 10.
🔊Usage of any mode of communication such as VPN by means of which communication becomes hidden or encrypted is a violation of PTA regulations. pic.twitter.com/4okPPassSI
— PTA (@PTAofficialpk) September 10, 2022
The PTA has asked public and private sector organisations, foreign missions, and freelancers to get their VPN registered by using the online application form on the regulator’s website by October 31, 2022.
The PTA first ordered internet users to register their VPNs back in July 2020. The authority had warned that legal action would be initiated against the use of unregistered VPNs.
A VPN is an encrypted connection to the internet from a device. It is used to browse the internet without being detected and to access banned websites. They are also used by various businesses to protect sensitive data of their customers, such as account passwords.
The persistent calls for registration of VPNs by the PTA have attracted widespread criticism and condemnation from regular users, journalists, and rights defenders. Many people have termed it a violation of users’ privacy on the internet and a draconian attempt to surveil and control people’s online interactions.
