Council of Islamic Ideology declares VPN use ‘un-Islamic’ 

ISLAMABAD: Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) Chairman Dr Raghib Hussain Naeemi has declared the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) for accessing blocked or illegal content as contrary to Islamic principles.

Answering a question on the Islamic status of the use of VPNs, he said that it was government’s religious authority to take steps against apps to restrict access to unethical, blasphemous, or harmful material, including banning VPNs, align with Islamic injunctions. 

Dr Naeemi said that the use of technology such as VPNs, when intended to bypass restrictions on prohibited websites, violates both Islamic ethics and societal norms. He argued that this constitutes “aiding in sin” (‘Aun ala al-ma’siya’), a concept explicitly forbidden in Islamic jurisprudence. 

“VPN technology allows users to conceal their identity and location, which, while useful for legitimate security and privacy needs, is often misused to access unethical or blocked content,” he said.

He said that examples of such misuse include reaching adult websites, spreading misinformation, and even enabling cyber theft, which makes it difficult to track offenders. 

According to Dr Naeemi, any act’s permissibility in Islamic law hinges on its purpose and method of use.

“Using VPNs to circumvent blocks placed for societal benefit is not only illegal but also a violation of Islamic ethics,” he noted. He urged citizens to respect national laws as long as they do not conflict with Islamic principles. 

CII Recommendations on Internet Governance 

The CII chairman referrred to a consultation meeting held on May 30, 2023, where the CII proposed measures to combat the misuse of social media, including blasphemous or immoral content. The recommendations included expediting the registration of social media platforms with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Cybercrime Wing, as well as banning all VPNs. 

The CII chairman also recommended the government create short educational videos and public service announcements to raise awareness of the ethical use of the internet and social media. 

Supporting Government Efforts to Protect Social Morality 

Dr Naeemi lauded the government’s actions to block content detrimental to societal values and national integrity. “Circumventing government-mandated blocks is not just a breach of law but also an affront to Islamic morality,” he said. 

He reiterated that there are no restrictions on accessing platforms that provide lawful entertainment, education, or economic opportunities in Pakistan. However, he said, for platforms deemed harmful to public morals or national interest, the council fully supports restrictions in accordance with Islamic teachings. 

The CII chairman encouraged the authorities to enforce tighter controls on technologies that undermine social order and legal compliance while continuing efforts to create a safer digital environment in line with Islamic and legal frameworks.