JAMMU: Udhampur district administration Thursday imposed a two-month prohibition on all Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), citing security concerns over their alleged use to circumvent lawful cyber restrictions. “The directive was issued on Sept 10 under BNSS Section 163 and came into force with immediate effect. The order will remain applicable for two months unless rescinded, amended, or withdrawn earlier,” an official said.Earlier, Doda district administration had issued a similar two-month VPN ban order on Sept 7.
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According to the directive issued by Udhampur district magistrate, inputs from security and intelligence agencies suggested that certain individuals and groups were using VPNs to evade cyber restrictions and access prohibited websites, applications and digital platforms.Such misuse could threaten public order, peace, and security, and could facilitate unlawful, anti-national, and disruptive activities such as circulating inflammatory/objectionable content, inciting violence or unrest, and coordinating illegal acts, the order stated.The restriction extends to individuals, institutions, cyber cafés, commercial establishments and internet service providers operating in Udhampur. VPN services may be used only when authorised by govt/competent authority through an official order. Violations will attract legal action, the directive warned.