PTA Begins Blocking Unregistered VPNs Across Pakistan to Address Security Concerns
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has initiated the process of blocking unregistered and unauthorized virtual private networks (VPNs) through a firewall system, aiming to mitigate security risks associated with unregulated VPN use. The PTA states that unregistered VPNs facilitate access to illegal content and compromise internet security.
The regulatory body has been managing VPN registrations since 2010, with over 20,500 VPNs registered to date, including those used by 1,422 companies. The PTA has emphasized the need to accelerate VPN whitelisting, a process currently causing temporary disruptions in VPN access as it seeks to whitelist authorized services only.
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The restrictions follow global practices, with countries like China, Russia, Iran, Turkey, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar also enforcing strict VPN regulations. In several regions, VPN usage is permitted solely for business purposes, reflecting a controlled approach to secure internet use.
Users in Pakistan have reported disruptions in VPN connectivity and slower internet and social media access since Sunday, which may be attributed to the blocking efforts. The PTA has yet to formally respond to these service disruptions. The demand for VPNs has risen in Pakistan, particularly since the ban on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), with users seeking alternative ways to access restricted sites and content.
