ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) announced a simplified registration process for virtual private networks (VPN) aimed at organisations and freelancers.
The process is designed to facilitate easier ‘access’ to VPN services, essential for secure online communications and data protection in an increasingly digitised world.
Read more: Council of Islamic Ideology declares VPN use ‘un-Islamic’
Organisations and freelancers can now register their VPNs directly on the PTA’s official website. The move is apparently beneficial for members of the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB), who can take utilise the streamlined process to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements while maintaining their operational efficiency.
The PTA hinted it was ‘important’ to complete an online form that required basic details for registration, including the applicants’ identity card number, company registration information and tax payer status.
Meanwhile, for freelancers, the registration process involves the provision of evidence to verify their affiliation with a specific project or company.
The requirement aims to ensure that only ‘legitimate’ users gain access to VPN services. The government claims this will improve the integrity of the registration system,
The applicants must provide their IP address for VPN connectivity. In cases where a fixed IP address is required, it can be obtained from the respective internet service provider (ISP).
The PTA revealed that the approval process for VPN registration would be completed within 8 to 10 hours of application submission.
The rapid turnaround time is expected to encourage more organisations and freelancers to register, helping to increase the overall number of compliant VPN users.
As of the latest reports, more than 20,000 companies and freelancers have successfully registered their VPNs through the PTA.
For those using VPNs for commercial purposes, the PTA established a specific category under which they can apply as freelancers.
Along with the required information, applicants need to also submit relevant evidence from their employer to substantiate their claims.
PTA’s VPN rules spark concerns on privacy, free speech in Pakistan
The new regulations have raised concerns among experts and civil rights advocates. Critics argue that the requirement for people and companies to register their VPNs could lead to increased government surveillance and control over online activities.
By mandating registration, the PTA may inadvertently create a system that allows for monitoring of internet usage.
Freelancers, in particular, will face challenges in the registration process, as they need to provide evidence to verify their affiliation with a specific project or company.
This will create barriers for people who may not have formal contracts or documentation readily available.
Applicants having to provide their IP address for VPN connectivity raises deep concerns about privacy and the potential for misuse of personal data.
Read more: It’s ‘the intelligence age’, say tech titans – but information won’t save us
The fear of being tracked or monitored while using VPNs could discourage people from using it altogether, undermining the process itself, which is to improve online security and privacy.