PTA introduces VPNs registration for legitimate users

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) on Wednesday introduced a streamlined process for legitimate users to register their virtual private networks (VPNs).

The development came days after the regulatory body began blocking unregistered VPNs in Pakistan to “regulate internet security and ensure the safety of users”. Sources within the PTA had said that the unregistered VPNs pose a significant security risk, as they may allow unauthorised access to sensitive data. Moreover, they could also potentially provide access to illegal content. VPNs are commonly used worldwide to bypass restricted content.

In Pakistan, for instance, citizens have used VPNs to access the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) which has been banned for several months. According to PTA, a consultation session on the VPN registration framework took place today which was attended by representatives from the Ministry of IT & Telecommunication (MoIT&T), Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB), and Pakistan IT Association (P@SHA). The session aimed to foster a secure environment for the IT and e-commerce sectors in Pakistan.” PTA introduced a streamlined VPN registration process, allowing legitimate users to register their VPNs through a new online platform at ipregistration.pta.gov.pk,” said the statement issued by the PTA. It said that the simplified framework “supports uninterrupted access for IT companies, freelancers, and other stakeholders”.