SRINAGAR, Dec 30: Several districts in Jammu and Kashmir, including Kupwara, Kulgam, and Shopian, have imposed a ban on the use of virtual private networks (VPNs), citing security concerns. Authorities have stepped up mobile surveillance to ensure compliance, warning of strict legal action against violators.
In Kupwara, Magistrate Shrikant Balasaheb Suse cited police reports indicating a rise in VPN usage among suspicious internet users. “VPN services have the potential to be exploited for unlawful and anti-national activities, including incitement of unrest, dissemination of misleading content, and coordination of activities prejudicial to public order and national security,” the order stated.
District Magistrates in Shopian and Kulgam have issued similar prohibitory orders. Over the past month, more than 10 individuals have been booked for using VPNs in violation of these orders. In Doda district, two people, Khalid Abrar and Mohammad Irfan, were recently booked for bypassing the restrictions.
Officials warned that VPN misuse can facilitate illegal activities such as spreading misinformation, coordinating crimes, accessing banned content, or masking identity and network breaches. The authorities emphasized that careful monitoring and strict enforcement are crucial to maintain security and public order in the Union Territory.