SRINAGAR: The District Administration Doda has imposed a complete ban on the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) citing concerns over public safety, cybersecurity, and the integrity of digital governance.
An order issued by District Magistrate Harvinder Singh stated that individuals and groups have been found misusing VPNs to bypass lawful cyber restrictions and access prohibited applications, websites, and digital content, posing a threat to public order, peace, and national security.
“In exercise of powers under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, I hereby impose a complete prohibition on the use of VPNs, except those explicitly permitted by the government through official order, within the territorial jurisdiction of District Doda, with immediate effect until further orders,” the order read.
The directive applies to all individuals, institutions, cyber cafes, and internet service providers operating in the district. The Senior Superintendent of Police, Doda, has been tasked with ensuring strict enforcement of the order.
