The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has started blocking unregistered virtual private networks (VPNs), according to local reports.

Such unregistered VPNs are being “temporarily blocked” until they comply with regulatory requirements.

The PTA has mandated that users must register to use VPN services, effectively eliminating free VPN options available on the internet.

The authority has claimed that unregistered VPNs pose a security risk in Pakistan, as they can potentially access private information or illegal content. The PTA’s role is to “protect user data and prevent access to unlawful material.”

Sources within the institution stated that VPN registration began in 2010, and over the past 14 years, approximately 20,500 VPNs have been registered.

Countries such as China, Russia, Iran, Turkey, and others have already blocked unregistered VPNs. Similarly, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia have initiated similar measures, allowing VPNs only for business purposes.

Sources added that there were no restrictions on the use of VPNs for business purposes in Pakistan.

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On Sunday, internet users across Pakistan reported that they were unable to access social media and other websites through their VPNs, leading to complaints about the blocking of such services.

It merits here mentioning that the government has previously restricted access to various websites, including social media platforms, through firewalls. Among such blocked sites, the social media platform X, erstwhile Twitter, was notably accessible only via VPNs.