Businesses and Freelancers Urged to Register VPNs Ahead of PTA Deadline

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has announced that all unregistered Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) will be blocked after November 30, raising significant concerns among users, businesses, and internet freedom advocates.

The PTA has advised entities such as software houses, call centres, banks, embassies, and freelancers to register their VPNs on its website to avoid disruptions. After the deadline, accessing restricted websites, including the social platform X (formerly Twitter), will be impossible for unregistered users.

This move mirrors international trends where governments enforce VPN restrictions to counter cybercrime and regulate internet use. Countries like the UAE penalize the misuse of VPNs for illegal activities, while India mandates VPN providers to log user data for law enforcement. However, critics argue that PTA’s unilateral action lacks transparency and stakeholder consultation.

Key concerns include the absence of parliamentary oversight, ambiguity over penalties for unregistered VPN usage, and a lack of public awareness campaigns. Observers urge the PTA to reconsider the deadline and engage stakeholders to strike a balance between cybersecurity and democratic freedoms.