The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has started blocking unregistered Virtual Private Networks (VPNs).
According to the report, unregistered VPNs are being temporarily blocked until they comply. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has imposed a registration requirement for users to use ‘VPN’ while ending free Virtual Private Networks (VPN) services available on the Internet.
The PTA says that unregistered VPNs in Pakistan are a security risk because they can access private information or illegal content. The authority’s job is to protect user data and prevent access to illegal content.
According to PTA sources, VPN registration started in 2010 and in the last fourteen years, around 20,500 VPNs were registered. So far more than 1422 companies have registered VPN.
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The PTA further said that the authority wants to speed up the process of VPN registration and whitelisting. China, Russia, Iran, Turkey and other countries have blocked unregistered VPNs. The United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Saudi Arabia have also started blocking unregistered ones, and a few countries allow virtual private networks for business use only. PTA sources say that there is no restriction on VPN for business use in Pakistan.
It should be noted that on Sunday, Internet users across Pakistan complained about the shutdown of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), saying that access to social media and other websites running through their ‘VPN’ has become impossible on Sunday. .
It should also be noted that the government had blocked the access of users to various websites including social media in Pakistan through the firewall, among these blocked websites was the social networking website X which can be accessed only through VPN. Used by users.
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**Interview with Dr. Sarah Malik, Cybersecurity Expert**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Malik. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has begun blocking unregistered VPNs. Can you explain why this move was necessary?
**Dr. Malik:** Thank you for having me. The PTA’s decision is largely rooted in concerns over national security and data protection. Unregistered VPNs can pose significant risks, as they may allow users to access illegal content or compromise sensitive information. By requiring registration, the PTA aims to create a more secure online environment and ensure that VPN services are compliant with local laws.
**Editor:** What are the implications of this decision for the average internet user in Pakistan?
**Dr. Malik:** For regular users, this could mean limited access to online content that they previously enjoyed through free VPN services. They will now need to ensure that any VPN they use is registered with the PTA. This may also lead to increased costs, as many of the free services will no longer be viable options. However, it also encourages users to be more cautious about their online activities.
**Editor:** Some users may feel that this move infringes on their privacy. How do you address those concerns?
**Dr. Malik:** Privacy concerns are certainly valid. Users often rely on VPNs to protect their online identities and access information freely. However, the PTA’s stance is that unregulated use of VPNs could lead to greater threats, both to individual data security and national interests. Striking a balance between privacy and security can be challenging, and this regulation is their attempt to manage that.
**Editor:** What alternatives might users have moving forward?
**Dr. Malik:** Users can look for reputable, registered VPN services that comply with PTA regulations. Many established VPN providers are likely to register and provide user-friendly services that still protect privacy while adhering to local laws. It’s essential for users to do their homework and choose services wisely.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Malik, for your insights on this important issue. It will be interesting to see how this situation evolves.
**Dr. Malik:** Thank you for having me! It’s certainly a topic that warrants ongoing discussion as technology and regulations continue to change.
