Islamabad, November 11, 2024 — The Europe Today: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has initiated a campaign to block unregistered Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) across the country as part of its efforts to enhance internet security and protect user data. The move is aimed at addressing potential security threats posed by unregistered VPNs, which, according to PTA sources, could facilitate unauthorized access to sensitive information and serve as gateways to unlawful content.
The government has temporarily blocked several VPNs to enable their inclusion in the PTA’s white-listing process. The VPN registration initiative, which began in 2010, has so far resulted in the registration of approximately 20,500 VPNs and 1,422 companies, with the PTA now focusing on accelerating the white-listing process to ensure compliance.
While the initiative aims to bolster internet security, it has caused difficulties for some users who rely on free VPN services for secure browsing. Reports indicate that many have faced disruptions in accessing such services. PTA officials have assured the public that steps are being taken to streamline the process and to curb illegal VPN usage without compromising authorized access.
Globally, VPNs are widely used to bypass restricted content, and in Pakistan, many citizens rely on them to access banned platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), which has been restricted for several months. The government has indicated that the restriction on X will remain in place unless it formally registers in Pakistan.
On Sunday, the government temporarily blocked over two dozen VPNs as part of a six-hour trial of a firewall system, marking a significant milestone in internet regulation. The trial, conducted between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m., resulted in noticeable impacts on internet users nationwide, underscoring the government’s focus on stricter controls.
To ensure uninterrupted services, the PTA has urged businesses, including IT companies, software houses, freelancers, and banks, to register their IPs and specify their intended use. This measure aims to provide continued VPN access to authorized users while maintaining robust security protocols.
