Once again, Pakistan is on its way to tightening the digital noose. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) is clamping down on VPN usage.Aiming to prevent access to the already banned platform X. “After the policy is implemented, only whitelisted VPNs would function in Pakistan and the others will be blocked.” Revealed PTA Chairman retired Maj General Hafeezur Rehman during a recent meeting of the Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat.
This isn’t the first time Pakistan has tried to control VPN usage. Back in 2011, the PTA instructed internet service providers.(ISPs) to prevent customers from using VPNs unless they registered with the authority, claiming the move was to combat illegal VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol).Traffic — digital packets of information that travel across networks to facilitate voice and video — and boost national security.
VPN usage privacy and government oversight
Fast forward 13 years, the government is now installing a sophisticated content-blocking system: a firewall. While the specifics of this mechanism are still under wraps. The push for data localisation and “whitelisting” acceptable VPNs defeats the entire purpose of this application.
With every statement, legislation and draft. It is clear as day that the government lacks a fundamental understanding of technology and, more importantly, computer network security. Allow me to explain.
In a digital age where the stakes of cybersecurity have never been higher, organisations, big and small. Must take proactive measures to safeguard their networks. One of the basic strategies is deploying tools like proxy servers, VPNs, and encryption software. These aren’t just tech buzzwords; they’re the first line of defence against hacking, intrusions, and cyber attacks.
Interestingly, a 2011 PTA notification says that encrypted software capable of dodging “monitoring” should not be used. But the irony is that the very purpose of using these technologies is to prevent unauthorized monitoring. Imagine it like this: without these protections, your network is an open book.
