Kishtwar, Apr 8 : The district administration of Kishtwar on Wednesday imposed a complete prohibition on the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) within its jurisdiction for a period of two months, citing misuse by “certain individuals and groups” to access prohibited websites and disrupt public order.
An order issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, by District Magistrate accessed news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS) stated that credible inputs suggested VPNs were being exploited for unlawful, anti-national, and disruptive purposes, including dissemination of inflammatory content and coordination of illegal activities.
“There exists a pressing and imminent need to curb the misuse of VPNs in order to safeguard cyber security, ensure compliance with lawful restrictions and preserve the digital integrity of governance and security mechanisms within the district,” the order read.
The prohibition applies to all individuals, institutions, cyber cafes, business entities, and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) operating in the district. Only those with explicit government authorisation will be exempted.
The order, effective immediately, will remain in force for two months unless rescinded earlier. Senior Superintendent of Police, Kishtwar, has been directed to ensure strict enforcement. Any violation will attract legal action, the order warned. (KNS)
