ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has begun blocking unregistered Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) in Pakistan as part of a new initiative to enhance security.
According to PTA sources, unregistered VPNs pose significant security risks, as they can be used to access sensitive data and illegal content.
The PTA states that these VPNs are being temporarily blocked for the whitelisting process.
Since initiating the VPN registration process in 2010, the PTA has successfully registered around 20,500 VPNs, with over 1,422 companies having listed their VPNs for registration.
The PTA is working to expedite the whitelisting process to ensure secure and compliant VPN usage.
Countries such as China, Russia, Iran, Turkey, and others have already implemented similar measures to block unregistered VPNs. The UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia have also enforced restrictions, limiting VPN use to business purposes.
In Pakistan, there is currently no ban on VPNs for business use, and the PTA assures that registered VPNs for legitimate business purposes will not be affected.
Yesterday, VPN users faced difficulties accessing free VPN services since the new restrictions were put in place.
Also Read: Top cybersecurity tips to keep your data safe
According to local media reports, the government conducted a six-hour trial on Sunday that blocked more than two dozen VPNs, marking the first time a government firewall had a noticeable impact on internet users nationwide.
