To block unregistered VPNs, PTA has set today as the deadline. Despite PTA’s repeated requests, no one has responded to their extension request from November 30.
According to PTA sources, the Ministry of Interior has the authority to decide whether or not to prolong the deadline for VPN registration. There has been no official confirmation regarding the deadline extension, but according to PTA, it is still within the realm of possibility.
An extension of the deadline has been asked by the IT industry, freelancers, and other stakeholders due to concerns that it could result in significant losses for the online working community. The VPN restriction would cost Pakistan’s IT sector $1 billion, says P@SHA.
Registered VPNs can “help improve cybersecurity” in the country, according to PTA’s statements, and over 27,000 have been registered so far. It should be noted that VPNs automatically protect your cybersecurity and do not require additional registration to function.
However, in order to ensure “national security and data protection,” the PTA maintains that VPN registration is essential.
The PTA had originally scheduled November 30 as the VPN registration deadline; hence, tomorrow will see the start of a crackdown on unregistered VPNs unless the deadline is extended.
