Authorities in Kathua district have announced a two-month ban on the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), citing serious national security concerns. The order, issued by District Magistrate Rajesh Sharma on Wednesday, comes as part of a broader effort to tackle misuse of digital tools that bypass cyber restrictions.

In the official notice, Magistrate Sharma pointed out that certain individuals and groups have been exploiting VPN services to evade surveillance and access prohibited applications, websites, and other digital content

The directive, issued by District Magistrate Rajesh Sharma, explained that VPN services are being exploited by certain individuals and groups to circumvent cyber restrictions and access banned applications, websites, and digital content.

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The decision has been made in accordance with Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, which grants authorities the power to take preventive measures in the interest of national security.

The ban affects all individuals, organisations, cyber cafés, and Internet Service Providers operating within the territorial boundaries of Kathua district, unless explicitly authorised by the government via a formal official order.

The Kathua senior superintendent of police has been directed to ensure strict enforcement of the order in letter and spirit.

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 Any violation of the directive will invite legal action under the relevant provisions of law, the order said.

The order comes into force with immediate effect from December 24.