PTA Granted Access to Internet Users’ Browsing History and Data

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) now has the authority to access internet users’ browsing history and data, according to a report by a private news channel.

The PTA has resumed the registration process for Virtual Private Network (VPN) service providers. Companies providing VPN services are being issued Class Licenses for Data Services.

Key Details:

• VPN Registration and Licensing:
  VPN service providers will be locally registered through Class Licenses, allowing PTA to monitor and regulate their services.
• License Fee:
  Companies providing these services will be charged a license fee ranging from PKR 100,000 to PKR 300,000.
• Local Data Centers:
  The initiative includes the establishment of local data centers to enhance data security and management.
• Cybersecurity Enhancements:
  PTA will be authorized to detect and track cyberattacks, aiming to bolster the country’s cybersecurity infrastructure.
• Access to User Data:
  PTA’s new powers include access to users’ browsing history and data, raising privacy concerns among individuals and organizations.

Background:

This development follows a request from the Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA) and has been implemented with input from various stakeholders.

Objective:

The primary aim of this initiative is to improve the state of cybersecurity in Pakistan while ensuring better regulation of internet services.

Concerns:

The move has sparked debates about user privacy and data protection, as granting such access to a regulatory authority could have implications for personal and organizational data security.