SRINAGAR: District Magistrate Doda Krishan Lal has ordered a complete prohibition on the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) across the district, citing concerns over their alleged misuse to circumvent lawful cyber restrictions.
The order has been issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, following reports that certain individuals and groups were using VPNs to access prohibited applications, websites and digital content.
According to the order, such activities could pose a potential threat to public order, tranquility and national security and may be exploited for unlawful and anti-national purposes, including inciting unrest, disseminating inflammatory material and coordinating activities prejudicial to the maintenance of law and order.
The prohibition will apply to all individuals, institutions, cyber cafés, business entities and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) operating within Doda district.
However, the order exempts cases explicitly authorised by the Government through an official order.
The District Magistrate warned that anyone found violating the order would be liable for legal action under the relevant provisions of law.
The Senior Superintendent of Police, Doda, has been directed to ensure strict enforcement of the order
