VPN crackdown: Netizens fear surge in state surveillance after Pakistan Telecommunication Authority's announcement

The use of any mode of communication including a VPN by means of which the data becomes hidden or encrypted is a violation of PTA regulations, read the telecom regulator’s statement present on its website, reports The Express Tribune.

The PTA has simplified the process of registration, the notification added as quoted by the newspaper.

Applications communicated through any other means shall not be accepted.

“The news of blocking VPNs has caused unrest among netizens and is being viewed as a means to curb freedom of internet users,” information communication technology analyst Waqas Ghani Kukaswadia told the newspaper.

“VPNs are present on Google Play Store and are mostly used to access banned websites or dark webs,” cyber security expert and researcher Etizaz Mohsin told The Express Tribune. So authorities including the PTA crack down on these open-source VPNs repeatedly and block them or their efficiency is decreased that erodes the experience of the users.

Mohsin’s research about the threats to the hospitality industry was greatly acclaimed around the world because of public WiFi where people resort to VPNs to keep their privacy.

He demonstrated the remote compromise of hotels that put millions of guests at risk including C-level executives, CEOs, presidents, sales and marketing directors, security professionals and top research and development staff.

“This is a national level operation to block the VPNs,” Mohsin said.