‘VPN Ban in Pakistan’: What it Means for Pakistani social media users?

Sophia Downing

Aug 4, 2024 - 09:03

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ISLAMABAD – Pakistanis are concerned about PTA’s new plan to regulate the use of VPNs as it might ban some platforms including X, former Twitter, and some other portals which are currently restricted in Pakistan.

It was revealed during a Standing Committee meeting as authorities mulls to whitelist specific proxy networks while blocking others. It stemmed due to massive increase in usage of VPN after ban on microblogging platform X.

‘VPN ban in Pakistan’

After the ban, the telecom authority reports that number of Twitter users in country saw massive drop.

The unpopular move to ban Twitter, will also disrupt businesses as authorities cautioned that banning VPNs could negatively impact IT sector, which relies on them for various purposes.

Banning VPNs might disrupt social media usage. VPNs allow users to bypass geographical restrictions and access blocked content. If PML-N government approved imposing VPN ban, it could affect users’ ability to access several social media platforms or content restricted within Pakistan.

The recent move can be part of broader efforts to control information and communication, often seen in countries with tight internet regulations.

Such bans could impact both individual users and businesses that rely on social media for communication and marketing.