PTA to implement new policy regulating VPN usage in Pakistan
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) is preparing to enforce a new policy that will regulate the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) across the country. During a recent meeting of the Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat, PTA Chairman Hafeezur Rehman announced that only VPNs with official approval will be allowed to operate in Pakistan under the new regulations.
This decision follows a dramatic rise in VPN usage in 2024, driven largely by the need to access the now-blocked social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter). According to data from Top10VPN, VPN demand surged by 131% on February 19, just two days after X was restricted. In addition, VPN provider Surfshark reported a significant increase in new users from Pakistan, with growth rates of 300-400% following the ban.
Rehman highlighted that since the ban, the number of X users in Pakistan has dropped by 70%, leaving only 30% still accessing the platform via VPNs. Despite this decline, the widespread use of VPNs to circumvent the ban has sparked debate about the effectiveness of such restrictions.
The PTA chairman also pointed out that a comprehensive ban on VPNs could have severe consequences for the country’s IT sector, as many businesses rely on these networks for their operations.
It’s worth noting that this is not the first time Pakistan has attempted to regulate VPN usage. Previous initiatives, including a 2010 VPN regulation and a 2022 registration drive, have not achieved significant success. However, the current policy aims to create a more controlled and compliant digital environment in the country.
