VPN Services Banned in Jammu Kashmir District for Two Months Over Security Fears | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: Authorities have imposed a two-month ban on the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) in Kathua district of Jammu Kashmir, citing concerns related to national security, Daily Excelsior reported.

The order was issued by District Magistrate Rajesh Sharma, who stated that VPN services were being misused by certain individuals and groups to circumvent cyber restrictions and gain access to banned applications, websites and digital content.

The preventive measure has been enforced under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023. It applies to all individuals, institutions, cyber cafés and Internet Service Providers operating within the territorial limits of Kathua district, unless explicitly exempted through a specific government order.

The Senior Superintendent of Police, Kathua, has been directed to ensure strict implementation of the directive. The order warns that any violation will attract legal action under the relevant provisions of law.

The ban has come into force with immediate effect from December 24 and will remain in place for two months.