The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has started blocking unregistered VPNs across the country. These VPNs are being blocked through a firewall and were temporarily restricted for the purpose of whitelisting.

PTA officials have expressed concerns that unregistered VPNs pose significant security risks, as they can potentially access sensitive data and illegal or objectionable content. The PTA emphasizes its responsibility to safeguard public and organizational data and to prevent access to illegal content.

In related developments, the PTA has clarified that it does not consider itself responsible for ensuring the safety of electronic devices.

Since the inception of VPN registration in 2010, approximately 20,500 VPNs have been registered, with over 1,422 companies having completed the registration process. The PTA is now aiming to expedite the VPN registration and whitelisting procedures.

Globally, countries such as China, Russia, Iran, Turkey, and others have implemented similar measures to block unregistered VPNs. The UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia also restrict unregistered VPNs, with some nations allowing VPNs solely for business purposes. In Pakistan, however, there are no restrictions on VPNs for business use.

Recently, numerous users in Pakistan have reported difficulties in using free VPNs, which many relied on to access the social media platform X. These users have expressed frustration as free VPNs have ceased to function effectively.

In a related context, the PTA Chairman has warned that revoking LDI licenses could disrupt ATM and internet services.

Interestingly, despite the ban on X in Pakistan, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has been noted for frequently bypassing this restriction by posting on X using a VPN.