Karachi: The government plans to implement new, stringent legislation that will prevent Pakistani internet users from using virtual private networks (VPNs) as of November 30.
According to a senior official of the state regulator Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), the PTA only allows VPN registration to businesses and independent contractors who utilize these services for profit, The News reported.
Ordinary users who depend on VPNs for online privacy or to access content, such as social media platforms like X (previously Twitter) or restricted news websites, are currently not covered by this regulation.
The PTA chairman was instructed by the Ministry of Interior to block “illegal VPNs” across the country on November 15.
“VPNs are increasingly being exploited by terrorists to facilitate violent activities,” said the order.
