Several districts of Jammu and Kashmir have banned the use of virtual private network (VPN), citing security reasons, as the forces have increased cell phone surveillance to ensure that the ban order is not violated.

Kupwara, Kulgam, Shopian, Pulwama and Budgam districts of the Valley are the latest districts to impose a VPN ban, ordering legal action against those violating the order.
The officials have warned that the VPN services have the potential to be exploited for unlawful and anti-national activities, including incitement of unrest, dissemination of misleading or inflammatory content and coordination of activities prejudicial to the maintenance of public order and tranquillity and national security.
VPN misuse involves using Virtual Private Networks for unlawful activities like spreading misinformation, coordinating crime, bypassing security, or accessing banned content, posing threats to public order and national security, leading authorities (like in parts of India recently) to impose temporary bans.
The Magistrates have warned of legal action against any violation and directed the police to ensure strict enforcement of the order in letter and spirit.
Similar prohibitory orders have been issued by the District Magistrates of Rajouri, Poonch, Kathua and Doda.
Two people were booked for violating prohibitory orders in Doda district after they were found using VPN on their mobile phones.
The booked persons have been identified as Khalid Abrar and Mohammad Irfan.