VPN registration deadline ends today

ISLAMABAD: A crackdown is expected on Virtual Private Network (VPN) usage if the last date for its registration, which expires on Saturday (today), is not extended, Geo News quoted citing sources.

At least 27,000 VPNs have been registered by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) so far.

The sources said the telecommunication authority has stressed on importance of VPN registration for improving cybersecurity and ensuring national security as well as data protection.

Stakeholders, including the IT industry and freelancers, have been pushing for an extension of the deadline for the registration. This decision, sources suggest, lies with the Ministry of Interior and is still under consideration.

However, if the deadline is not extended, a crackdown on unregistered VPNs is set to commence immediately.

The PTA had set November 30 as the final date for VPN registration and highlighted that registered VPNs can play a pivotal role in improving cybersecurity in the country.

VPNs are commonly used worldwide to bypass restricted content.

In Pakistan, the use of VPNs witnessed a spike after authorities banned social media site X (formerly Twitter) earlier this year over "national security" concerns.

VPN registration

In a statement earlier this month, the PTA had said that it has streamlined the VPN registration process for organisations and freelancers.

The telecommunication regulator said entities such as software houses, call centres, banks, embassies, and freelancers can register their VPNs online through the PTA's official website.

PTA said members of the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) can also avail this facility.

It added that the registration involves completing an online form and providing basic details, including computerised national identity card (CNIC), company registration details and taxpayer status.

Freelancers must submit documentation, such as a letter or email, verifying their project or company association, said the statement by the PTA.

Additionally, applicants must provide the IP address for VPN connectivity. If a fixed IP address is required, it can be acquired from an Internet Service Provider, it added.