UDHAMPUR, Jan 3: District Magistrate Udhampur Saloni Rai has issued a formal order prohibiting the use of all Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) within the territorial jurisdiction of Udhampur, effective immediately.
Invoking powers under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, the administration cited credible reports from security and intelligence agencies regarding the misuse of VPNs to bypass lawful cyber restrictions.
The order highlights that these tools are being utilized to access prohibited websites and digital platforms, posing a significant threat to public order and national security.
By masking IP addresses and encrypting data, unauthorized VPN usage is susceptible to exploitation for anti-national activities, including the coordination of unrest and the dissemination of inflammatory content.
The prohibitory directive applies to all individuals, commercial establishments, cyber cafes, and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) operating in the district. While government-authorized VPN use remains permitted through official channels, any unauthorized violation will attract strict legal action.
The Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) has been directed to ensure rigorous enforcement of the ban, which is scheduled to remain in effect for a period of two months.
This preventive measure follows similar security-related digital restrictions implemented across several districts in Jammu and Kashmir to safeguard the integrity of regional governance and public safety.
