In a significant crackdown, the Jammu and Kashmir Police have initiated legal proceedings against 69 individuals across the union territory for defying government orders by using Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to access banned social media platforms. This action underscores the authorities' stringent stance on enforcing internet restrictions in the region.
The Legal Crackdown on VPN Users
The cases were registered under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for disobedience to an order duly promulgated by a public servant. The police action is a direct consequence of these individuals bypassing the official ban on certain social media applications through the use of VPN services. The orders prohibiting access to these platforms were issued under the authority of the Magistrate 1st Class (Executive Magistrate), and the police are duty-bound to act against any violations.
This development is not an isolated incident. It follows a pattern of enforcement where the police have previously registered similar cases against VPN users. The move highlights the ongoing tension between security protocols and digital access in Jammu and Kashmir.
Context of the Social Media Ban
The backdrop to this legal action is a series of internet and social media restrictions that have been periodically imposed in Jammu and Kashmir. Authorities have often cited reasons related to maintaining public order, preventing the spread of misinformation, and curbing anti-national activities as the rationale behind these bans. Specific platforms are frequently blocked to prevent their alleged misuse for organizing protests or spreading content deemed threatening to security.
Despite these restrictions, a section of users has consistently turned to VPN applications. These tools mask a user's actual IP address and location, allowing them to circumvent geo-blocks and access prohibited websites and apps. The police's latest action targets this very method of bypassing the law.
Implications and Official Stance
The registration of cases against 69 individuals sends a strong message about the consequences of violating government-imposed internet restrictions. Section 188 IPC deals with disobedience to an order lawfully promulgated by a public servant, which, if it causes obstruction, annoyance, or injury to any person, can lead to imprisonment or a fine.
From the law enforcement perspective, this step is a necessary measure to uphold the rule of law and ensure compliance with official directives aimed at security. It reinforces that the ban on certain online platforms is a serious legal order, not a mere advisory.
For residents and digital rights activists, however, such actions raise questions about internet freedom and access to information. The use of VPNs, while a violation of the specific ban order, is also a common global tool for privacy and accessing information. This crackdown places individuals in a difficult position, balancing between adhering to local laws and engaging with the global digital ecosystem.
The Jammu and Kashmir Police's continued vigilance in this matter indicates that similar legal proceedings may follow if violations persist. It establishes a precedent where the act of using a VPN to access banned content is itself a punishable offense under the current regulatory framework in the region.
