The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has announced a new initiative to simplify the process of registering Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) for freelancers by linking them to mobile numbers. This move aims to streamline the registration process, especially for individuals who do not have static IP addresses, the PTA explained in a statement on Saturday.
According to the PTA, more than 31,000 VPNs have already been registered, and users can now complete the registration process through the regulatory body’s official website.
This development follows the PTA’s earlier set deadline of November 30 for VPN registration, which was subsequently extended to allow more users to comply. The measure is part of the PTA’s ongoing effort to crack down on unregistered VPNs, prompted by security concerns raised by the government.
While the Ministry of Interior initially planned to shut down all unregistered VPNs by mid-November, a two-week “grace period” was granted to facilitate smoother compliance for users.
How to Register?
To register a VPN, users are required to fill out an online form providing personal and business details, including their Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC), company registration, taxpayer status, and, for freelancers, proof of their project or company affiliation.
This initiative has garnered attention following the earlier ban on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), which led to a surge in VPN usage as people sought to bypass content restrictions.
