The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) is set to introduce new measures to control the use of virtual private networks (VPNs) in Pakistan. This move is expected to impact businesses that rely on unrestricted internet access.
Key Details:
- PTA Regulation Plan: PTA Chairman, Maj General (retd) Hafeezur Rehman, announced that under the new Pakistan internet policy, only approved (whitelisted) VPNs will be allowed to operate in Pakistan. All other VPNs will be blocked.
- Reason for Regulation: The decision comes in response to a rise in VPN usage since February 19, when Pakistan banned the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter). A report by Top10VPN showed a 131% increase in VPN demand after the X ban.
- Current Usage: Despite the rise in VPNs, the number of X users in Pakistan has dropped by 70%. Only 30% of X users access the platform via VPN. X still has a smaller user base compared to other social media sites, with 4.5 million users as of early 2024.
- Impact on IT Businesses: Rehman warned that a total ban on VPNs could severely affect Pakistan’s IT sector, potentially harming businesses that depend on VPNs for their operations.
Past Efforts and Concerns:
- Previous Measures: The PTA attempted to regulate VPNs in 2022 by asking organizations and freelancers to register their VPNs. However, enforcement was inconsistent.
- Taxation of Social Media: During a recent Senate meeting, Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar proposed taxing social media revenues in Pakistan, similar to practices in other countries. This follows concerns over the lack of taxation on social media platforms that do not comply with local laws.
- Concerns from Lawmakers: Senator Rana Mahmoodul Hasan raised issues about taxes on cellular advertisements, while Senator Farooq H Naek recommended studying both national and international laws to ensure public access to digital services.
The PTA’s plan to regulate VPNs and the government’s focus on taxing social media revenues are part of broader efforts to manage digital challenges in Pakistan, balancing security needs with economic considerations.
