The District Magistrate Srinagar has ordered suspension of all Virtual Private Network services within Srinagar for a period of two months, invoking powers under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita.
The order issued by DM states that the Senior Superintendent of Police Srinagar had reported apprehensions regarding the misuse of VPN services by vested interests, which could have adverse implications for public order and cyber security in the district.
According to the order, VPN services, by transmitting encrypted data and creating point to point tunnels, enable users to conceal IP addresses and bypass website restrictions and firewalls.
The administration observed that such features carry the potential to be exploited for unlawful and anti national activities, including incitement of unrest, dissemination of inflammatory material, and coordination of activities prejudicial to the maintenance of law and order.
The District Magistrate noted that the unrestricted use of VPNs poses serious risks to public safety, cyber security, and the protection of sensitive data, making it imperative to take immediate preventive measures in the larger public interest.
The authorities have banned use of VPN in several districts of Jammu and Kashmir due to security concerns.
Meanwhile, Police in Ganderbal have taken preventive action against individuals found unauthorisedly using Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) in violation of orders issued by the District Magistrate, Ganderbal.
“During routine verification drives, 11 persons were found illegally using VPN services within the jurisdictions of Police Station Ganderbal and Police Station Kangan. The individuals were subsequently bound down under Section 126 BNSS to ensure good behaviour and compliance with lawful orders,” a police spokesman said.
Police has initiated action against 100 persons for using the VPN despite a ban on its use imposed by the administration.
Police has urged the public to cooperate with law enforcement agencies and adhere to prescribed regulations to help maintain peace, security, and cyber discipline.