The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has set into motion a process of blocking unregistered Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) in order to beef up the internet security and protect users in the country, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Monday.
According to PTA sources, unregistered VPNs pose significant security threats, including unauthorized access to sensitive data and potential access to restricted content.
As per the sources, the PTA is blocking the unregistered VPNs through the firewall. The blockage is temporary for white-listing the VPNs, the sources added.
The sources further said that the unregistered VPNs are a security risk as through illegal or unregistered VPNs access to sensitive data or illegal material is possible.
Some 20,500 VPNs have so far been registered by the PTA, the sources revealed, adding the registration process was launched by the PA in year 2010.
The PTA sources said the Authority wanted to fast-track the white-listing of the VPNs, though its spokesman declined to comment on the closure of the VPNs.
Recently, users have reported issues accessing free VPN services, experiencing disruptions to secure browsing. Officials reassured that efforts are underway to streamline the white-listing process and curb illegal VPN usage in Pakistan.
VPNs are frequently used worldwide to bypass restricted content; in Pakistan, they are especially popular for accessing X (formerly Twitter), which remains banned.
In August, the PTA had clamped down on VPN usage, aiming to prevent access to the already banned social media platform X.
Defending the ban, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar had said in September that X had been banned due to national security issues, not to curb freedom of expression. He said that “separatists and terrorists” were using the platform against Pakistan, which could not be allowed.
In the same month, the PTA had dispelled rumours and clarified that VPNs in the country were not being blocked. However, multiple X users in Pakistan took to the platform on Sunday and said that VPNs were being slowed down and access was being restricted.
IHC to take up plea against slow internet, firewall on Thursday
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday fixed for hearing the plea against slow internet speed and installation of firewall in the country.
IHC Chief Justice Amer Farooq will hear the plea on Thursday (November 14).
Prominent journalist Hamid Mir has filed the petition in the IHC through Imam Mazari Advocate.
The last hearing of the case was adjourned on September 3 over the unavailability of a IHC bench.
Reporters Waqas Azeem and Ehtesham Kiyani