The Telecommunications Authority of Pakistan (PTA) has initiated the VPN service providers license under the category of “class license”, marking a significant step in the regulation of data services in the country.
On Monday, the PTA approved the requests of two companies for the granting of class licenses to provide VPN services, confirmed an official statement.
“This initiative allows companies to use VPN for legal purposes, guarantee data security, privacy and regulatory compliance while promoting transparency,” the PTA said in the statement.
The PTA reiterated its commitment to support companies to meet their connectivity needs responsible and urged more VPN service providers to request licenses.
In November 2023, the Telecommunications Authority introduced a simplified process for the registration of private Internet links after the unregistered VPNs were blocked in Pakistan. The regulatory movement aimed to improve Internet security and protect users from possible threats.
VPNs are widely used throughout the world to access the restricted content, since Pakistan is no exception. Citizens have been based on VPN to access the X (previously Twitter) platform, which has been prohibited in the country since February 2024 due to “national security concerns.”
The growing censorship has promoted the greatest use of VPN, with problems such as difficulties in sending multimedia files through WhatsApp that still persists for some users.
In response, the PTA, in collaboration with the Ministry of IT and Telecommunications (MOIT & T), the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) and the ASSOCIATION OF IT of Pakistan (P@SH), designed a registration mechanism for Provide a safe environment for a safe IT environment and electronic commerce sectors.
“The simplified framework supports uninterrupted access for IT companies, independent workers and other interested parties, reinforcing PTA’s commitment to Pakistan’s expanding digital economy,” the statement concluded.
