PTA’s Deadline for VPN Registration in Pakistan

November 30, 2024, only licensed VPNs shall be permitted to function within the boundaries of the country. This decision has been made due to the increased number of internet users taking to the use of VPNs where there have been slow speeds and access cut offs, particularly focusing on the freelancers, businesses, and individuals that require a steady internet connection.

Why VPNs Became Essential in Pakistan
In Pakistan, millions of internet users have found the use of a VPN service to be the only option in accessing the internet. This has been because the country I located in has seen several upsurge in internet censorship which has claimed slowed the speed and frequent struggles in accessing. Be it work, leisure or even communicating with someone, these users have found a way around such users. More so, the freelancers for example, used these services because they were more connected to the worldwide portals, and always fully engaged. 

What is a VPN and How Does It Work?
VPNs or virtual private networks are designed to provide extra security and privacy while online. This is because the IP address of the user is hidden and a safe channel protected by a password is available to the network. Furthermore, the data transmission is encrypted meaning that should a person intercept the data they cannot read the details thus shielding the user from hackers and spying.

While online, in most cases a VPN service will tunnel the users traffic through a remote server which can be situated anywhere in the world. This conceals your real physical address and enhances the security of one's web browsing activities hence making it difficult for other people to follow the user's online behavior.

Advantages of Using a VPN

There are several advantages of using a VPN which are not just limited to overcoming limitations. Below are some of the main benefits:
Safe Use of the Internet: VPNs block the third party, especially the Internet Service Provider (ISP). This makes internet usage private and provides security.
Bypassing Regional Restrictions: Some countries place geographical content blocking in that certain websites or services are blocked. With a VPN, such a restriction is not safe, since it is possible for the user to change the location viewable and access the content by connecting through a server in a different country.
Safe Data Transfer: VPNs deploy their applications and services over the Intranet as well as the Internet by utilizing virtual network IP tunneling. This is beneficial especially for companies or individuals who have to transfer sensitive data via the web.

Types of VPNs

While there are various types of VPNs, the three primary categories include:
SSL VPN: Typically used by companies to allow remote employees to access their work network securely. It uses SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) encryption and requires a web browser for connection.
Site-to-Site VPN: This type is used by larger organizations to securely connect two different intranets. It’s ideal for businesses that need to share files securely between different locations.
Client-to-Server VPN: This type allows users, such as employees, to connect to their company network via a secure VPN provider, rather than using a regular internet service. It ensures efficiency and secure access to company resources.

The PTA's Registration Deadline: What’s at Stake?
The PTA's pronouncement, which requires VPNs to be registered by November 30, 2024, has elicited mixed reactions. While some are of the opinion that the move is crucial to enhancing online safety and fighting illicit operations online, others fear that it may lead to the restriction of vital services for independent workers and companies.
The regulatory push comes after the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) pronounced VPN use as “un-Islamic” but later stated that it depended on the user and how it was used. The intention of the government is not to eradicate the use of the VPNs but to ensure the control and regulation of VPNs in such a way that only those who have genuine cases will access their benefits.