The country’s telecom and internet regulator, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), has started a second trial to stop unregistered virtual private networks (VPNs) that are used to access websites that are blocked.
The PTA’s two-day experiment is a component of its attempts to control illicit VPN use. The authorities intends to start taking action against unregistered VPNs on December 1 and has designated November 30 as the last day to register a VPN.
The PTA just finished its initial VPN shutdown trial. About 25,000 VPNs have been registered so far as a result of its requirement that banks, embassies, IT companies, and independent contractors register their networks.
The PTA held a consultation session at its offices on November 21 with an emphasis on the VPN registration and facilitation procedures.
The PTA reaffirmed its commitment to supporting legal VPN users while guaranteeing data security and continuous internet access for software companies, business process outsourcing (BPO) organizations, banks, embassies, and freelancers, according to a statement issued following the meeting.
Participants spoke on how to enhance the VPN registration procedure while preserving secure internet services and business continuity. In order to prevent interruptions, PASHA commended the PTA’s efforts but asked the regulator to give enough time for VPN registration and have more discussions.
PTA Chairman Hafeezur Rehman told the reporters in Islamabad that the government has the final say over whether to extend the registration deadline.
“The PTA’s function is restricted to implementation and regulation. “Directives and policies are issued by the government, and their implementation is ensured by the PTA,” he stated.
He emphasized that the first VPN in the country was registered in December 2010 and that several nations prohibit VPN use. Stakeholders were given 15 years for registering their VPNs, he continued.
