Pakistan to Introduce New VPNs Policy

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has decided to introduce a new policy regulating Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) nationwide.

Approved VPNs Only

PTA Chairman Hafeezur Rehman stated that only approved VPNs will function in Pakistan once the policy is implemented.

Surge in VPN Usage

The move comes after a significant surge in VPN usage in 2024, primarily to access the blocked social media platform X (formerly Twitter).

VPN Demand Increases

Demand for VPNs increased by 131% on February 19, two days after X was blocked. Surfshark, a VPN provider, reported a 300-400% increase in new user acquisition rates in Pakistan following the ban.

Effectiveness of Ban Questioned

The high number of users bypassing the ban raises questions about its effectiveness. The PTA chief noted that only 30% of X users access the platform through VPNs, while 70% have stopped using it since the ban.

Blanket Ban Not Feasible

The PTA head emphasized that a blanket ban on VPNs would lead to the collapse of several IT businesses operating on VPNs.

Previous Attempts

This is not the first attempt to regulate VPNs in Pakistan. Previous efforts, including a 2010 regulation and a 2022 registration drive, have been met with limited success.

Conclusion

The new VPN policy aims to regulate VPN usage in Pakistan, but its effectiveness remains to be seen. The surge in VPN usage highlights the need for a balanced approach that addresses the concerns of both authorities and users.

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