Archive · 4 Jan 2026
Jammu and Kashmir cracks down on unauthorised VPN use
In the Budgam district of Jammu and Kashmir, the police have taken action against people using Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) without permission.
Between December 29 and January 2, 24 people were found breaking the rules.
Two of them had FIRs registered against them because they had a history related to terrorism.
The other 11 people, who were between 18 and 40 years old, were given a warning and released.
The police did this to keep the area safe and stop people from misusing digital platforms.
VPNs are tools that help people stay private online, but they can also be used to bypass security measures.
The authorities have banned VPNs in the region to prevent any threats to national security.
Police registered two FIRs against individuals with adverse terror-related backgrounds for unauthorised VPN use in Budgam.
Security proceedings were initiated against eleven individuals aged between 18 and 40 years for non-compliance with prohibitory orders.
A total of 24 individuals were identified for violating VPN usage orders between December 29 and January 2.
The 11 individuals were bound down under sections 126 and 170 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita and later released after due warning.
The action was taken to maintain law and order and prevent misuse of digital platforms for security reasons.
- Who
- Jammu and Kashmir Police, 24 individuals (11 bound down)
- What
- Unauthorised use of VPN services, registration of FIRs, initiation of security proceedings
- When
- Between December 29 and January 2, 2024
- Where
- Budgam district, Jammu and Kashmir
- Why
- To maintain law and order and prevent misuse of digital platforms for security reasons
- Location
- Budgam, Jammu and Kashmir
- Number of FIRs
- 2
- Number of individuals identified
- 24
- Number of individuals bound down
- 11
- Age range of individuals
- 18 to 40 years
- Sections under which individuals were bound down
- 126 and 170 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita
- Reason for action
- Unauthorised use of VPN services
- Date range of identification
- December 29 to January 2
