PTA wants to ensure registration of VPNs to ensure ‘uninterrupted operations’ in eye-opening article
PTA is concerned about VPN usage
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has announced the registration of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) through a “one window” system to support software companies, call centers, freelancers, and foreign missions/embassies in maintaining legitimate, secure, and uninterrupted operations, according to an authority statement.
The statement further mentioned that this is an ongoing process being continuously optimized by the PTA, Ministry of Information Technology (MoIT), Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB), and P@SHA. Since 2020, over 20,000 IPs have been registered for VPNs, the telecom regulator noted.
The regulator also stated that the one window services are accessible via the PTA and PSEB websites.
Earlier this month, amid reports suggesting a ban on VPNs, the PTA clarified that it was whitelisting VPNs through an “automated process” to ensure the smooth and secure operation of IT services and online businesses.
This clarification followed PTA Chairman Hafeezur Rehman’s briefing to the Senate’s Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat, where he confirmed that the PTA was whitelisting VPNs, allowing only selected proxy networks to operate in Pakistan.
Subsequently, the PTA declared: “No such action has been taken and all kinds of blocking is undertaken only under the directions of the Government of Pakistan in accordance with legal frameworks and guidelines.”
Additionally, earlier on Wednesday, the authority stated that the ongoing internet disruptions across the country are expected to last for over a month, as the submarine cable causing service degradation is anticipated to be repaired by early October.
Significantly, the internet disruptions have faced strong criticism from netizens and the IT sector, who attribute the current internet slowdown and limited connectivity to the supposed testing of an internet firewall aimed at controlling social media. This firewall is equipped with filters to prevent unwanted content from reaching a broader audience.
Previously, the government blamed an increase in VPN usage for the slowdown.
