Shaheer Ahmed
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has reiterated its warning that it is against PTA rules to use any kind of communication, including Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), that makes communication secret or encrypted.
The registration process has been streamlined in a public notification. It stated that in order to prevent disruption, public and private sector companies, foreign missions, and freelancers must register their VPNs by October 31 in order to utilise them for their legal purposes.
This notification was also issued once before back in 2020. The PTA had directed internet users to register VPNs before June 30, 2020. At the time, the telecom regulator said that the exercise is being undertaken to promote legal ICT services in Pakistan and to ensure the safety of telecom users.
Virtual private network, or VPN, is a service that creates a private and secure connection to the internet. A VPN establishes an encrypted tunnel to safeguard your private information and conversations, mask your IP address, and enable you to use open Wi-Fi networks without fear.
VPNs are used to mask users’ online identities and encrypt internet communications. This makes it more challenging for other parties to monitor a user’s online activities or steal data, claims cybersecurity firm Kaspersky Lab.
PTA is again urging registration of VPNs so that the users privacy is safeguarded and data throttling is avoided. Security of sensitive information is highly important and needs to be kept away from prying eyes.
