Srinagar, Dec 29 (JKNS): Amid heightened security considerations, the district administrations of Kupwara and Shopian have ordered the suspension of Virtual Private Network (VPN) services, citing concerns over their misuse by suspicious elements and the potential threat to public order, cyber security and national security.
In an order issued by District Magistrate Kupwara, Shrikant Balasaheb Suse (IAS), as per news agency JKNS, communications were received from the Senior Superintendent of Police, Kupwara/Handwara, reporting a surge in the use of VPNs by a significant number of suspicious internet users.
SSP apprised the district administration of the urgent need to take immediate preventive measures to regulate and restrict VPN usage in the interest of public safety, cyber security and the integrity of digital governance.
The order noted that misuse of VPN services could be 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 law and order, posing a serious threat to public tranquility and national security.
Invoking powers under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, the District Magistrate ordered the suspension of all kinds of VPN services within the territorial jurisdiction of District Kupwara, except those explicitly permitted by the government through a specific official order. The order applies to all individuals, institutions, cyber cafés and Internet Service Providers operating in the district.
The order further stated that any violation would invite strict legal action under relevant provisions of law. As prior individual notice was not feasible, the order has been issued ex-parte and deemed to be addressed to the general public. The SSP Kupwara/Handwara has been directed to ensure strict enforcement. The order has come into force with immediate effect and will remain valid for two months unless withdrawn earlier.
Meanwhile, in a similar move, Shopian Police, in a statement issued to JKNS, informed that the Deputy Commissioner Shopian has also ordered the suspension of VPN services across District Shopian with immediate effect until further orders.
The Shopian order has been issued in view of prevailing security considerations and the potential misuse of VPN services, which may hinder lawful monitoring and pose risks to public safety. Residents of the district have been advised to strictly adhere to the order and cooperate with the administration and police.
Police reiterated that any non-compliance would attract strict legal action and sought public cooperation in maintaining peace, security and larger public interest. (JKNS)
