Jammu and Kashmir VPN Ban Leads to Police Action
Published
Key Takeaways
- Enforcement action: Jammu and Kashmir VPN ban enforced; police filed FIRs, monitored internet use, and bound down dozens.
- District-wide impact: VPN restrictions extended across Budgam, Shopian, Kulgam, Pulwama after security threat assessments.
- Legal basis: Orders issued under BNSS provisions, citing misuse of encrypted platforms and law-and-order risks.
Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Police have started action against the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) in several parts of the Union Territory. Police have filed at least two FIRs and taken preventive action against dozens of people under prohibitory orders.
Police said that in Budgam district, two FIRs were registered and 11 people were “bound down” for allegedly using VPNs after a ban was imposed last month. The action followed monitoring of internet activity from December 29 onwards, after the district magistrate issued an order under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).
According to police, 24 individuals were found using VPNs in Budgam. Of these, 11 people aged between 18 and 40 were bound down under Sections 126 and 170 of BNSS and later released with warnings. Police said the FIRs relate to individuals with “adverse terror-related backgrounds”, though details of arrests were not shared.
Jammu and Kashmir VPN Ban Extended to More Districts
The VPN restrictions were first imposed in Doda and Kishtwar districts of the Chenab Valley and were later extended to other areas, citing threats to national security and fear of unrest.
In south Kashmir’s Shopian district, police said 15 smartphone users were found using VPNs after the ban on December 29. Security proceedings were started against 10 of them. In Kulgam and Pulwama districts, over 100 users were identified, and action was initiated against 49 people, though no FIRs were filed there.
It is not yet clear if similar action has been taken in Srinagar and other districts where VPN use has been restricted.
Legal Background and Concerns
Authorities said the ban was imposed to prevent misuse of encrypted platforms and protect sensitive data. District magistrates warned that VPNs could be used for unlawful activities, including spreading inflammatory content and disturbing public order.
While VPN use is not illegal under Indian law, the central government in 2022 directed VPN providers to collect user details and store data for five years. This move was criticised by privacy experts and led several VPN companies to shut down servers in India.
Earlier, on December 27, Doda police had also booked two people for violating VPN-related orders.
Related
Get expert insights on threats, breaches, scams, and security trends — delivered every Saturday.
Most Popular
Get expert insights on threats, breaches, scams, and security trends — delivered every Saturday.
Most Popular