Police have initiated "security proceedings" against ten people, and counselled five minors, in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian district for not complying with orders prohibiting the use of virtual private network (VPN) in the Union territory for security reasons.
Pertinently , J&K has extended VPN ban across several districts, citing security misuse concerns. According to officials VPN services were increasingly being used to mask online identities, circumvent internet restrictions and access platforms blocked under local laws.
Authorities in Shopian and Kulgam districts on Monday (Dec 29, 2025) had suspended the use of VPN services until further notice over security considerations.A police spokesperson said the police conducted a district-wide verification drive to check for compliance in the south Kashmir district and identified 15 individuals allegedly violating the order.
Following detailed technical scrutiny and background verification, no terror-related links or adverse antecedents were found, and no FIR has been registered in the matter, the spokesperson said.However, as a preventive measure, security proceedings were initiated against 10 individuals, as five others were minors, for violation of the said orders.The minors were counselled and advised in the presence of their guardians, with emphasis on awareness, lawful digital conduct, and the consequences of violating lawful orders, the spokesperson said.
Temporary VPN bans were earlier enforced in multiple districts of Jammu and Kashmir on security grounds, especially in border and militancy-affected areas.The authorities expanded a ban on the use of Virtual Private Network (VPN) services across several districts of the Union Territory, citing their alleged misuse to bypass lawful surveillance and pose threats to public order and national security.
According to official orders issued by district administrations, the use of VPN services has been suspended for a period of two months following security reviews and police inputs. Officials said VPNs were increasingly being used to mask online identities, circumvent internet restrictions and access platforms blocked under local laws.
Divisional Commissioner (Kashmir) Anshul Garg said the decision was taken in the overall interest of society. “Such measures are imposed whenever required to prevent misuse by anti-social elements. Many people unknowingly get caught up in the misuse of these networks. These decisions are based on security assessments carried out by the district magistrates,” he said.
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