PTA Registers Over 20,000 VPNs as Part of Whitelisting Effort amid Industry Concerns
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has successfully registered 20,437 Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) as part of an ongoing initiative aimed at regulating VPN usage within the country. This move is intended to ensure compliance with national laws and secure the country’s digital infrastructure.
The whitelisting process, which has been in place since 2010, has seen significant participation from various sectors. According to official sources, 1,286 companies have registered a total of 19,840 VPNs. Additionally, 136 freelancers have registered 180 VPNs, while the Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA) has facilitated the registration of 417 VPNs. This initiative, supported by the Ministry of IT and the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB), is seen as crucial for maintaining lawful online activity and curbing the illegal use of VPNs.
The PTA’s effort to control VPN usage is linked to the broader mandate under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016, which obligates the authority to block unlawful content online. However, despite these efforts, VPNs have often been used to bypass state-imposed restrictions, allowing users to access prohibited content. The PTA has been working to counteract this by collaborating with various stakeholders, including businesses that rely on VPNs for legitimate purposes.
P@SHA, however, has voiced concerns about the lack of consultation regarding the internet disruptions that have accompanied the VPN whitelisting process. The association, which represents a significant portion of Pakistan’s IT industry, has highlighted the economic impact of these disruptions, estimating losses of up to $300 million. P@SHA officials have called for a more inclusive approach, urging the government to engage with industry stakeholders to minimize the negative effects on the digital economy.
The PTA has clarified that its whitelisting process is automated and aligned with government directives to ensure a balance between security needs and business continuity. The collaboration with PSEB is particularly focused on managing VPN registration for businesses like call centers and freelancers, ensuring that their operations remain uninterrupted while complying with legal requirements.
” 
” 
” 
” 
” 
