Srinagar, 30 December. Several districts in Jammu and Kashmir have imposed a ban on the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) citing security reasons, as security forces have increased mobile phone surveillance to ensure compliance with the ban orders.
The districts of Kupwara, Kulgam, and Shopian in the Kashmir Valley are the latest to enforce the VPN ban, with strict instructions to take legal action against violators. Magistrate Srikant Balasaheb Suse of Kupwara referred to police reports indicating a significant rise in VPN use by suspicious internet users in the district.
The order stated, “Since VPN services can be used for illegal and anti-national activities, including spreading unrest, disseminating misleading or inflammatory content, and coordinating activities harmful to public order, peace, and national security.”
The magistrate warned of legal consequences for those breaching the order and directed police to ensure strict enforcement. Similar restrictive orders have been issued by district magistrates in Shopian and Kulgam.
Several other districts in Jammu and Kashmir had already imposed the VPN ban. Last month, over ten cases were registered against individuals accused of using VPN applications. In the previous week, two individuals in Doda district were booked for violating restrictive orders after being found using VPNs on their mobile phones. The arrested persons were identified as Khalid Abrar and Mohammad Irfan.
VPN misuse includes illegal activities such as spreading misinformation, coordinating crimes, compromising security, or accessing prohibited content, posing threats to public order and national security. This has compelled authorities to impose temporary bans in some parts of India. Cyber adversaries also exploit VPNs to conceal identity theft or network breaches, underscoring the importance of selecting reliable VPN services.
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My name is Bhupendra Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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