This decision has been taken in view of the possibility of communication and exchange of information by terrorists using VPN.
Digital Desk, Kathua. Citing national security concerns, the administration on Wednesday banned the use of Virtual Private Network (VPN) in the district for two months after suspicious terrorist activity was seen in the Kathua border areas and the fear of infiltration from across the border increased.
The order issued by District Magistrate Rajesh Sharma said that some people and groups are misusing VPN services to bypass cyber restrictions and access restricted applications, websites and digital content.
This preventive action has been taken under Section 163 of the Indian Civil Security Code (BNSS), 2023. The ban applies to all individuals, institutions, cyber cafes and internet service providers operating in the area of Kathua district, except those specifically permitted by the government through a specific official order.
Kathua Senior Superintendent of Police has been instructed to implement the order completely. The order states that in case of any violation of the instructions, legal action will be taken under the relevant provisions of law. This order will come into effect immediately from December 24.
Let us tell you that earlier in Poonch and Rajouri districts also, the administration has banned the use of VPN for two months.