Multiple districts in Jammu and Kashmir have announced a ban on the use of virtual private networks (VPNs), citing security concerns. Security forces have increased mobile phone surveillance to ensure that restrictions are properly followed.
Besides the Jammu division, several districts in the Kashmir Valley, including Shopian, Kulgam and Kupwara, have imposed the ban, ordering legal action against those violating the orders.
Kupwara District Magistrate Shrikant Balasaheb Suse, in an official order, referred to complaints from the J&K Police about the surge in the use of VPNs by suspicious internet users in the district.
The orders further read that these VPN services have been “potentially exploited for unlawful and anti-national activities, including incitement of unrest, dissemination of misleading or inflammatory content, and coordination of activities prejudicial to the maintenance of public order, tranquillity and national security.”
The Magistrate has directed police authorities to ensure strict compliance with the order in its letter and spirit. Orders on the same grounds have also been issued by the district magistrates of Shopian and Kulgam.
The increasing use of technology by terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir has been a matter of great concern for security forces, as the adoption of encrypted technology has made counterinsurgency operations a little more complex , owing to the constantly evolving nature of tech-infused terrorist activities.
More than 10 people have been booked for using VPN applications over the last month. Last week, two people were charged for violating prohibitory orders in the Doda district after they were found using VPN applications on their mobile phones.
Cyber adversaries also exploit VPNs to hide malicious activities like identity theft or network infiltration, making careful VPN choice important.
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