In a significant move driven by security concerns, district administrations across Jammu and Kashmir have ordered the immediate suspension of Virtual Private Network (VPN) services. The ban, which is in effect until further notice, aims to curb potential misuse for unlawful activities and maintain public tranquillity.
District Magistrates Issue Immediate Orders
The action commenced on Monday, with Shopian and Kulgam districts in South Kashmir being among the first to implement the suspension. Kupwara in north Kashmir swiftly followed suit. The orders have been issued by the respective Deputy Commissioners, who wield the authority under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023.
In Kupwara, District Magistrate Shrikant Balasaheb Suse acted on police communications highlighting a surge in VPN usage by a significant number of suspicious internet users in the district. The official order states that VPN services have the potential to be exploited for anti-national activities, including inciting unrest, spreading inflammatory content, and coordinating acts that threaten public order and national security.
Legal Action and Wider Implementation
The prohibitory orders warn of strict legal action against any violations and direct the police to ensure enforcement. Officials clarified that the step was taken to prevent the misuse of VPNs, which can impede lawful monitoring and pose risks to public safety.
Kulgam Deputy Commissioner Athar Amir Khan issued a similar directive, suspending VPN services in his district for a period of two months. According to local reports from Greater Kashmir, more than ten individuals have already been booked for using VPN applications in the past month across the region. Last week, two people in Doda district of the Jammu division were booked for violating similar prohibitory orders after being found using VPNs on their mobile phones.
Official Rationale and Security Assessments
Explaining the rationale, Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir, Anshul Garg, stated that the suspension was ordered in the overall interest of society following security reviews. He emphasized that each Deputy Commissioner conducts independent security assessments based on local intelligence.
"Such measures are taken whenever required to prevent misuse by anti-social elements," Garg told media in Srinagar on Tuesday. "Many people get caught up in the misuse of such networks. These decisions are taken in the overall interest of society to safeguard the public." He confirmed that many other districts across Jammu and Kashmir have already imposed similar bans.
The move underscores the authorities' focus on preempting digital tools from being used to coordinate activities deemed prejudicial to security in the sensitive region. The suspension will remain in force until further orders are issued.
