The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has officially reinitiated its policy requiring the registration of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). This move mandates that companies, freelancers, and other legitimate users register their VPNs to avoid being blocked. The stated goal of the policy is to promote legal Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) services and ensure user safety.
According to the PTA, the registration process is intended to curb illegal “grey traffic,” which refers to unauthorized telecommunication traffic. Organizations and individuals using VPNs for legitimate purposes, such as IT companies, call centers, and freelancers, are now required to contact their internet service providers (ISPs) to register and whitelist their static IP addresses. The PTA has specified that this registration process is free of charge.
The VPN Registration Mandate Explained
Under the renewed directive, any VPN user who does not register with the authorities through their ISP will have their service blocked. The process involves providing necessary details to the ISP, which then facilitates the whitelisting of the user’s static IP address with the PTA. This policy was originally introduced in 2020 and its revival marks a renewed effort by the government body to regulate encrypted internet traffic within the country.
Context of Internet Control and Digital Rights
This policy revival occurs within a broader context of internet regulation in Pakistan. The country has previously implemented blocks on major online platforms, including X (formerly known as Twitter), TikTok, and YouTube. Digital rights organizations have voiced concerns regarding the VPN registration policy. Critics view the measure as a mechanism for the government to increase its control over online content and potentially limit digital freedoms and the privacy of its citizens.
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