Authorities in North Kashmir Clamp Ban On Use of VPN Services – Alfaaz – The Words

Srinagar: Authorities in north Kashmir district Kupwara have clamped a blanket ban on the use of Virtual Private Network services across the district following reports of increased suspicious online activity.

The District Magistrate issued the order under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023. The decision followed an assessment shared by the Senior Superintendent of Police, Kupwara and Handwara, who flagged a sharp rise in VPN usage by unidentified users.

As per the directive, the misuse of VPN services poses risks to public safety, cyber security, and digital governance. The administration cited concerns that such platforms could be used to spread misleading content, coordinate unlawful acts, and disrupt public order.

Under the directive, all VPN services stand suspended within the territorial limits of Kupwara. The restriction applies to individuals, institutions, cyber cafes, and internet service providers. Only VPNs specifically authorised by the government are exempted.

The order further states that violations will invite action under relevant legal provisions. As prior individual notice was not feasible, the administration issued the directive ex parte and made it applicable to the general public.

The Senior Superintendent of Police has been tasked with ensuring strict enforcement on the ground. The restrictions will remain in force for two months from the date of issuance, unless modified or withdrawn earlier.