Deadline for registering VPNs ends today

• Over 27,000 VPNs registered, say PTA sources.
• IT industry demands deadline extension for VPNs.
• Crackdown on unregistered VPNs expected.
  

ISLAMABAD: The deadline for Virtual Private Network (VPN) registration ends today (Saturday), with a crackdown anticipated if the deadline is not extended, sources informed Geo News.

Ahead of the deadline, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has registered more than 27,000 VPNs.

The PTA, according to sources, has emphasised that VPN registration is crucial for enhancing cybersecurity and ensuring national security and data protection.

Stakeholders, including the IT industry and freelancers, have been pushing for an extension of the deadline for the registration. This decision, sources suggest, lies with the Ministry of Interior and is still under consideration.

However, if the deadline is not extended, a crackdown on unregistered VPNs is set to commence immediately.

The PTA had set November 30 as the final date for VPN registration and highlighted that registered VPNs can play a pivotal role in improving cybersecurity in the country.

VPNs are commonly used worldwide to bypass restricted content.

In Pakistan, the use of VPNs witnessed a spike after authorities banned social media site X (formerly Twitter) earlier this year over "national security" concerns.

'Streamlined' VPN registration process

In a statement earlier this month, the PTA had said that it has streamlined the VPN registration process for organisations and freelancers.

The telecommunication regulator said entities such as software houses, call centres, banks, embassies, and freelancers can register their VPNs online through the PTA's official website. 

PTA said members of the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) can also avail this facility. 

It added that the registration involves completing an online form and providing basic details, including computerised national identity card (CNIC), company registration details and taxpayer status.

Freelancers must submit documentation, such as a letter or email, verifying their project or company association, said the statement by the PTA. 

Additionally, applicants must provide the IP address for VPN connectivity. If a fixed IP address is required, it can be acquired from an Internet Service Provider, it added.