Suspension of VPN Services Ordered in Kupwara District for Public Safety and Cyber Security

In a move aimed at ensuring public safety, cyber security, and the maintenance of law and order, the district administration in Kupwara has imposed a complete suspension of Virtual Private Network (VPN) services for a duration of two months.

The decision, as per an official order issued by District Magistrate Shrikant Balasaheb Suse, comes in response to reports from the Senior Superintendent of Police highlighting a significant increase in the use of VPNs by suspicious internet users in the district.

Under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, the order emphasizes the potential misuse of VPN services for unlawful activities, such as inciting unrest, spreading misleading or inflammatory content, and coordinating activities detrimental to public order.

As a result, all VPN services within the jurisdiction of Kupwara district are suspended unless explicitly permitted by a government-issued order. This prohibition extends to individuals, institutions, cyber cafes, and Internet Service Providers, with legal consequences for violations.

The Senior Superintendent of Police has been tasked with ensuring strict enforcement of the order, which is effective immediately and will remain in place for two months, unless revoked earlier by the competent authority.

This measure aims to curb potential threats posed by unauthorized VPN usage and safeguard the interests of the community. Stay tuned for updates on this evolving situation. [KNT]