VPN not ‘un-Islamic’, CII chief backtracks amid public backlash

ISLAMABAD: After intense criticism from public, social media users and some religious scholars, Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) Chairman Allama Raghib Naeemi has clarified that his recent statement regarding the use of virtual private networks (VPNs) contained a typographical error, as VPNs are neither “un-Islamic” nor “illegitimate” et all. 

Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, Naeemi described social media as a powerful platform for expressing opinions and ideas, which can be used for both good and bad purposes.

He emphasized that Muslims should utilise it in accordance with Islamic teachings, promoting morality, education, trade and other legitimate activities. 

“Social media must not be used for spreading falsehoods, deceit, religious disrespect, immorality, sectarianism, or extremist content,” Naeemi said.

He said that while VPN apps are commonly used for various purposes, their permissibility depends on how they are used. 

“A VPN, in itself, is not prohibited or un-Islamic. Its application depends on whether it is employed for legitimate or illegitimate purposes,” he stated. 

Naeemi underscored that accessing or spreading blasphemous, seditious, or other harmful content through VPNs is religiously impermissible. He urged the government to take steps to prevent such misuse.

At the same time, he noted that VPNs can be used for lawful purposes, such as communication, education, and commerce, provided government regulations, including VPN registration, are followed. 

The CCI chairman recommended prioritising the use of registered VPNs while avoiding unregistered ones. He called on the government to facilitate lawful online activities while curbing misuse of social media for illegitimate purposes. 

Naeemi also stressed the importance of regulatory oversight.

“All government agencies responsible for media and social media must play an active role in monitoring platforms and applications,” he said, citing Article 19 of the constitution, which allows freedom of speech and access to information, subject to public decency, security, and morality. 

Highlighting the growing significance of technology, Naeemi said the positive use of modern tools like social media is crucial. He cautioned against blanket bans, arguing that proactive measures and suitable alternatives are necessary to address misuse. 

To further explore these issues, Naeemi announced that the Council of Islamic Ideology would work with experts to conduct in-depth research on the religious dimensions of modern technologies. 

Responding to a question, Naeemi clarified that the Council’s stance on VPNs had been part of earlier recommendations and stemmed from a 2023 Lahore High Court decision. He attributed recent confusion to a typographical error in a previous statement, which omitted the word “not,” leading to misinterpretation. 

“VPNs have never been declared forbidden or illegitimate by the Council,” Naeemi said. He reiterated that using VPNs to access illegal or immoral content is impermissible but emphasized that the technology itself is neutral.