ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has initiated a crackdown on unregistered VPNs across the country, blocking them through firewalls.
The action aims to temporarily disable VPNs that have not been registered with the authority, which is part of an ongoing effort to enhance cybersecurity and prevent unauthorized access to sensitive data or illegal content.
PTA officials highlighted that unregistered VPNs pose significant security risks, potentially granting access to private data and facilitating the viewing of objectionable material. The PTA, tasked with safeguarding public and organizational information, is also focused on limiting access to illicit online content.
Since the introduction of VPN registration in 2020, the PTA has successfully registered over 20,500 VPNs, with more than 1,400 companies participating in the process. The authority is now looking to expedite the registration and whitelisting of VPNs to streamline usage while maintaining security standards.
Countries like China, Russia, Iran, Turkey, and several others, including the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, have adopted similar measures to block unregistered VPNs. While Pakistan has not restricted VPN use for business purposes, the PTA’s focus is on ensuring that all VPNs comply with the regulatory framework.
The move has already sparked frustrations among Pakistani users who rely on free VPNs, especially for accessing platforms like X (formerly Twitter). Many users have reported issues with these services being blocked or disrupted for several hours.
The PTA’s decision aligns with global trends where countries seek to monitor and control VPN access, balancing security concerns with digital freedom.
