PTA hints at blocking unregistered VPNs in Pakistan

**ISLAMABAD:** The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has suggested the possibility of blocking unregistered Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) nationwide, according to ARY News.

This issue was addressed during a Senate committee meeting on IT and Telecom, chaired by Senator Palwasha Khan. PTA Chairman revealed that complaints have been received regarding social media apps, including 95% concerning TikTok, 65% about Meta, and 22% about X (formerly Twitter).

Senator Humayun Mohmand inquired whether using a VPN would be considered a breach of policy for assembly members. The PTA Chairman responded that the authority is working to implement internet restrictions similar to those in Dubai and China.

Currently, 20,500 individuals have registered their VPNs with the PTA. The authority is promoting a registration campaign, warning that unregistered VPNs will eventually be blocked.

**READ:** PTA launches portal for VPN registration to ensure stable operations

In an effort to maintain seamless operations for businesses, including software houses, call centers, freelancers, and foreign missions, the PTA has introduced a unified registration system for IPs and VPNs. This process, available through the PTA and PSEB websites, has registered over 20,000 IPs since its inception in 2020. 

This initiative, coordinated by the PTA, Ministry of Information Technology (MOIT), Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB), and Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA), aims to ensure secure and uninterrupted online operations for businesses.

Organizations are encouraged to register their VPNs to protect their digital activities. For easy registration, businesses can visit the PTA’s website.

**Firewall Installation Challenged**

Senior journalist Hamid Mir has filed a petition in the Islamabad High Court against the installation of a firewall and internet shutdowns, represented by lawyer Imaan Mazari. Mir's petition argues that the firewall installation has significantly reduced internet speeds, adversely affecting the digital economy’s youth, who are crucial to its growth.