The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has begun blocking VPNs that are unregistered or used without official approval, aiming to enhance security across digital networks. VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) are being temporarily restricted for a review process called “whitelisting,” which allows only authorized VPNs to operate. The PTA explains that unregistered VPNs can be risky, as they may provide access to restricted or prohibited content, so regulating them is essential for maintaining safer internet usage.
The process to register VPNs with the PTA started back in 2010, and since then, the authority has successfully approved over 20,500 VPNs across 1,422 companies. The PTA now plans to speed up the approval process to ensure smoother digital experiences for legitimate users. Many countries, including China, Russia, Iran, Turkey, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, also restrict unapproved VPNs, typically allowing their use only for business purposes.
Recently, internet users in Pakistan have reported issues accessing certain websites and social media platforms, particularly affecting VPN functionality, starting from Sunday. These interruptions have caused frustration, especially as demand for VPNs has risen following restrictions on the popular social media platform X (formerly Twitter). The PTA spokesperson has not yet provided a formal statement about these disruptions.
