Jammu and Kashmir Police Crack Down on VPN Usage Amid Security Concerns

Police Action Against VPN Violations

On Saturday, the Jammu and Kashmir Police took significant action by filing first information reports and commencing security proceedings against multiple individuals for allegedly breaching a ban on virtual private networks (VPNs).

The prohibition was enacted on December 29, with authorities citing national security threats and concerns over potential incitement to unrest.

Initially, the VPN ban was enforced in the Doda and Kishtwar districts of the Chenab Valley but has since expanded to additional regions.

A VPN enables users to conceal their location and browse the internet privately, often utilized by journalists and ethical hackers to access restricted websites.

To enforce the VPN ban, police have been inspecting residents' mobile devices.

In Budgam district, authorities registered two FIRs and initiated security proceedings against 11 individuals caught using VPNs.

Between December 29 and Friday, 24 individuals were identified for violating the VPN ban, all of whom were released with warnings, with some required to sign bonds.

In Pulwama, police identified 95 individuals using VPNs on Thursday and initiated preventive actions against 43, although no FIRs were filed after checks revealed no terror-related backgrounds.

In Sopore, Baramulla district, 23 individuals were found using VPNs, leading to proceedings against 15.

Additionally, police took action against five individuals in Anantnag and six in Kulgam.

While VPN usage is not illegal across India, officials stated that these restrictions were implemented under emergency powers to address specific security issues in the Union Territory.

Past directives from the Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology have mandated VPN providers to keep user records, a move that has faced backlash from privacy advocates.