Islamabad, August 5, 2024 — The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has announced a stringent new policy aimed at regulating Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) nationwide, amidst a surge in VPN usage following the recent ban on social media platform X (formerly Twitter).
PTA Chairman Hafeezur Rehman disclosed during a Standing Committee meeting that only approved VPNs will be permitted to operate in Pakistan under the new policy. This decision comes in response to a 131% increase in VPN demand observed immediately after X was blocked earlier this year, according to a report by Top10VPN.
Surfshark, a prominent VPN provider, reported a staggering 300-400% rise in new user acquisitions in Pakistan post-ban, underscoring the widespread adoption of VPNs to circumvent government restrictions.
Acknowledging concerns over the impact on the technology sector, Chairman Rehman noted that a complete VPN ban could jeopardize several IT businesses reliant on VPNs for operations. He emphasized the need for balanced regulatory measures to mitigate disruptions while upholding national security interests.
Despite the decline in active X users by 70%, as reported by the PTA, DataReportal’s early 2024 findings revealed that the platform still boasted 4.5 million users in Pakistan, highlighting ongoing challenges in content regulation.
This move marks a significant escalation in Pakistan’s efforts to control digital access amidst increasing internet shutdowns and content restrictions, setting the stage for broader implications on internet freedom and technological innovation in the country.
For more updates, stay tuned to our coverage on VPN regulations and digital governance in Pakistan.
