Two-month VPN ban ordered in Kupwara; Shopian follows suit

SRINAGAR — The district administrations of Kupwara and Shopian on Monday ordered the suspension of Virtual Private Network (VPN) services, citing security and cyber-related concerns, with authorities warning of strict action against violations.

In Kupwara, District Magistrate Shrikant Balasaheb Suse imposed a blanket ban on all VPN services across the district for a period of two months, invoking powers under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023. The order, issued with immediate effect, applies to all individuals, institutions, cyber cafés and Internet Service Providers operating within the district.

According to the official order, the decision followed inputs from the Senior Superintendent of Police, Kupwara and Handwara, who reported a surge in the use of VPN services by suspicious internet users. The police flagged an “emergent need” to regulate and restrict VPN usage in the interest of public safety, cybersecurity and the integrity of digital governance.

The order stated that VPNs could be misused for unlawful and anti-national activities, including the incitement of unrest, dissemination of inflammatory or misleading content and coordination of activities prejudicial to the maintenance of law and order. Such misuse, it said, poses a serious threat to public order, tranquillity and national security.

The ban allows exceptions only where VPN use is explicitly permitted by the government through a specific official order. The District Magistrate noted that prior individual notice was not feasible; therefore, the order was issued ex parte and deemed to be addressed to the public at large. The Senior Superintendent of Police has been directed to ensure strict enforcement.

Separately, the Deputy Commissioner of Shopian ordered the suspension of VPN services across Shopian district with immediate effect and until further orders. Police stated that the move was made in consideration of prevailing security concerns and the potential for VPN misuse, which could hinder lawful monitoring and compromise public safety.

Residents in both districts have been asked to comply strictly with the orders and cooperate with the administration and police. Authorities warned that any violation would invite action under relevant provisions of law.