SRINAGAR — Authorities in the Budgam, Pulwama and Kulgam districts of the Kashmir Valley have moved to restrict Virtual Private Network (VPN) services, citing concerns that the encrypted digital tools are being used to circumvent security monitoring and coordinate activities "prejudicial to law and order."
The District Administration of Budgam issued a formal order on Monday, suspending all VPN services on mobile devices for a period of two months. The directive, issued by District Magistrate Budgam under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023, followed a report from the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) highlighting an "unprecedented rise" in VPN usage in recent days.
According to the official order, authorities observed that a significant number of internet users were accessing VPN platforms to conceal IP addresses and bypass website restrictions. Officials stated these capabilities could be exploited to incite unrest, circulate inflammatory content, or coordinate unlawful activities.
“Encrypted communication may expose sensitive information to cyber threats, thereby posing risks to data and information security,” the Budgam administration noted in the directive.
The Budgam suspension is effective immediately and will remain in force for 60 days unless withdrawn earlier. Because the order was passed ex-parte, it applies to the general public without individual notice.
Pulwama Police issued a similar alert to citizens, announcing that the District Magistrate of Pulwama had restricted VPN services across the district with immediate effect.
Pulwama officials described the measure as a preventive step aimed at maintaining public safety and cybersecurity. Police requested full cooperation from residents and warned that any violation of the restrictions would invite "strict legal action under applicable laws."
Law enforcement in both districts has been instructed to ensure the implementation of the orders "in letter and spirit." The directives have been publicized through district websites, local newspapers, and official notice boards.
Earlier, the Deputy Commissioner Kulgam imposed the VPN ban with immediate effect in the interest of maintaining public order and ensuring security. The order notes that the potential misuse of VPN services could hinder lawful monitoring and pose risks to public safety, according to Kulgam Police.
Police have urged residents to strictly comply with the directive and cooperate with the district administration. Authorities warned that any violation of the order will invite strict legal action under relevant laws.
The police appealed to the public for cooperation in maintaining peace and security in the district.
The measures represent a broadening effort by local authorities to regulate the digital space, as similar restrictions were also recently reported in the districts of Kupwara and Shopian.
https://kashmirpulse.com/jk/kashmir/several-kashmir-districts-restrict-vpns-citing-security-concerns/114169.html
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