Islamabad: The government conducted a six-hour trial on Sunday to block more than two dozen Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) nationwide. This trial marks a major step in internet regulation in Pakistan, with the first-ever visible impact on VPN services experienced by users across the country.
The temporary blockage ran from 4 pm to 10 pm, targeting both premium VPN services and locally accessed VPNs, according to a government official. This move signals the government’s intent to tighten internet restrictions and control access through unregistered VPNs.
VPN Trial Unveils Infrastructure Challenges
The trial proved challenging for the country’s current internet infrastructure. An insider revealed, “The trial blockage of over 20 VPNs at once was successful, although our current infrastructure struggles to handle the load.” This suggests that Pakistan’s firewall may require upgrades to sustain such controls effectively.
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Businesses Push Back on VPN Restrictions
The temporary block was lifted after a backlash from businesses that rely heavily on VPNs for secure communications. An executive from the telecom industry confirmed that the government removed the restrictions due to concerns raised by businesses, including IT companies, banks, and freelancers. These sectors emphasize the importance of VPNs for security and efficiency in daily operations.
Going forward, the government may continue to enforce VPN restrictions but will likely focus on unregistered VPNs. This approach aims to strike a balance between national security concerns and the need to support business functions.
Government Encourages VPN Registration
In September, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) responded to rumors about VPN restrictions, stating that the government had no immediate plans to block VPNs. However, PTA urged businesses and individuals to register their IPs for uninterrupted VPN access.
Businesses in sectors like IT, software development, and finance have been encouraged to register their VPNs to avoid service interruptions. Registrants must specify their business activities and intended VPN use, a measure intended to ensure only authorized users retain access.
VPNs Provide Access to Banned Social Media
In Pakistan, VPNs are commonly used to access restricted content, including the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter), which has been banned for several months. The government has made it clear that the ban on X will only be lifted if the platform formally registers in Pakistan. This demonstrates the government’s determination to control online content accessible to the public.
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