Unregistered VPNs declared major threat to national security

ISLAMABAD: Authorities on Monday warned that unregistered Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) have emerged as a serious threat to national security, with terrorists, criminals, foreign agents, and extremist groups increasingly using illegal VPNs to conceal their identities and activities.

Officials say unregistered VPNs are being used to plan attacks, spread misinformation, run propaganda campaigns, and facilitate illegal operations online. They caution that such activities put every citizen in Pakistan at risk.

According to experts, free and unregistered VPNs often compromise user data instead of protecting it. Many of these services log usernames, passwords, bank details, and other sensitive information, turning unsuspecting users into a product sold to third parties. Authorities warn that several unregistered VPNs operate under the control of hackers, foreign organizations, and criminal networks.

The government has advised the public to use only PTA-approved and licensed VPN services. Officials say illegal VPNs not only endanger individual privacy but also cause substantial financial damage to the country. By bypassing legal gateways, billions of rupees in taxes and fees are diverted abroad, dealing a heavy blow to the national exchequer and reducing funds available for public services.

Unregistered VPNs are also increasing the load on internet infrastructure, resulting in slower speeds that affect households and businesses alike. Authorities note that while some users believe VPNs improve their connection speed, widespread use of illegal VPNs ultimately slows down the entire network.

Officials stressed that unregistered VPNs pose a dual threat to citizens and to national stability. The public has been urged to rely only on legal, approved VPN services to ensure personal safety and protect the country’s digital security.