PTA ‘begins blocking’ unregistered VPNs

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has begun the process of blocking unregistered Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) in the country, as part of its efforts to regulate internet security and ensure the safety of users, reports Geo News.

Sources within the PTA said that the unregistered VPNs pose a significant security risk, as they may allow unauthorised access to sensitive data. These could also potentially provide access to illegal content as well, they added. Insiders further stated the government is also temporarily blocking some VPNs to allow for their inclusion in the PTA’s white-listing process.

The telecommunication authorities initiated the VPN registration process back in 2010. To date, approximately 20,500 VPNs have been successfully registered, with over 1,422 companies having completed the registration process. The regulatory body is now focused on accelerating the white-listing of VPNs to improve compliance.

Consumers have been facing difficulties in accessing free VPN services for several hours, with many reporting disruptions in their ability to use VPNs for secure browsing. PTA officials assured that action is being taken to streamline the process and prevent illegal use of VPNs in the country. VPNs are commonly used worldwide to bypass restricted content.

In Pakistan, for instance, citizens have used VPNs to access the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) which has been banned for several months. The government stated it would not lift the restriction on X unless it formally registers in Pakistan. A report published in The News on Monday stated that more than two dozen VPNs were temporarily blocked by the government during a six-hour trial of firewall on Sunday, which marked a significant step in internet regulation in the country.

The temporary blockage — that took place between 4pm and 10pm — was the first instance where a government firewall noticeably impacted internet users across the country. The PTA has urged businesses — including IT companies, software houses, freelancers and banks — to register their IPs for continued VPN access, ensuring uninterrupted internet services for authorised users. Those registering must provide their intended use and specify their business activities.