Udhampur Administration Imposes Two-Month Ban on VPN Use
Udhampur Administration Imposes Two-Month Ban on VPN Use
The administration in Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur district has imposed a two-month prohibition on the use of all Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), citing security concerns over their alleged use to circumvent lawful cyber restrictions.
The directive was issued on September 10 under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, and came into force with immediate effect.
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It will remain applicable for two months unless it is rescinded, amended or withdrawn earlier.
The restriction extends to individuals, institutions, cyber cafés, commercial establishments and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) operating within the district. VPN services may be used only when their use has been expressly authorised by the Government or a competent authority through an official order.
The order said security and intelligence agencies had provided inputs suggesting that certain individuals and groups were using VPNs to evade lawful cyber restrictions and gain access to prohibited websites, applications and digital platforms.
The District Magistrate said such misuse could threaten public order, peace and security and potentially facilitate unlawful, anti-national and disruptive activities. These include the circulation of inflammatory or objectionable content, incitement to violence or unrest and the coordination of illegal activities.
Violations of the order will attract action under the relevant provisions of law, according to the directive.
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The Senior Superintendent of Police, Udhampur, has been instructed to ensure strict, effective and uniform implementation of the prohibition throughout the district.