13 hrs ago
Doda bans VPN use for two months over security concerns
Officials in Doda have temporarily banned people from using VPNs.
A VPN can change how someone connects to the internet.
The authorities said some people were using VPNs to get around online restrictions.
They also said VPN misuse could help coordinate unlawful activities or spread inflammatory material.
The ban will last for two months.
It applies to people, organizations, cyber cafes, businesses and internet providers.
VPN use is allowed when the government has specifically authorized it.
People who break the order may face legal action.
Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district ordered a complete VPN ban for two months.
The restriction was issued on September 5 under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita.
The order applies to individuals, institutions, cyber cafes, businesses and Internet Service Providers.
Officials said some people and groups were using VPNs to bypass cyber restrictions and access prohibited content.
Government-authorized VPN use is exempt, while violations may lead to legal action.
- Who
- Doda District Magistrate Krishan Lal issued the order, with implementation assigned to the Senior Superintendent of Police, Doda.
- What
- A complete ban on VPN use was ordered across Doda district for two months, with an exception for officially authorized use.
- Where
- Doda district, Jammu and Kashmir, India.
- When
- The order was issued on September 5 and reported on September 6; the restriction will last two months.
- Why
- Authorities cited cybersecurity, unlawful activities, public order, national security and the alleged circumvention of lawful cyber restrictions.
Key facts
- Location
- Doda district, Jammu and Kashmir
- Restriction
- Complete ban on VPN use
- Duration
- Two months
- Legal basis
- Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita
- Exemption
- VPN use explicitly authorized by the government
- Enforcement
- Senior Superintendent of Police, Doda
- Penalty
- Legal action under relevant provisions of law
Quotes
Krishan Lal
District Magistrate of Doda who issued the VPN restriction order
“Such activities have the potential to be exploited for unlawful and anti-national purposes, including inciting unrest, disseminating inflammatory material and coordinating activities prejudicial to the maintenance of law and order.”
theprint.in
Sources
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