Noman Ali

Pakistan’s continued war against digital technologies shows no signs of letting up, with the government once again targeting Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) under the guise of national security. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has devised yet another strategy to regulate VPNs after its previous attempt, which introduced a registration process for VPNs aimed at businesses and freelancers, failed to achieve its intended outcomes. The latest move involves the introduction of a licensing regime, under which companies will be required to apply for permits to offer VPN services. This would result in all proxy networks not provided by licensed companies being labeled as “unregistered” and ultimately blocked—an attempt to curb the use of VPNs by the general public.

The impact of this move is concerning. Licensed VPN service providers will be bound by local regulatory provisions, which would allow the state to monitor VPN traffic. This raises serious privacy and security issues, as the core benefits of using a VPN—privacy, anonymity, and security—would be stripped away. The authorities would have unprecedented access to citizens’ data, leading to intrusive surveillance and a violation of fundamental rights. The move to regulate VPNs could drastically reduce the ability of individuals to maintain digital privacy in a country where the state has demonstrated a growing inclination to control the digital landscape.

State Surveillance and Control Under the Guise of National Security

One of the key provisions of the new plan mandates that VPN providers must install “Lawful Interception equipment” to allow security agencies to monitor traffic. Under the pretext of national security, the state would gain unfettered access to online activities, effectively compromising citizens’ digital freedoms. VPNs have become an essential tool for Pakistanis seeking to circumvent arbitrary government bans on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and for dealing with frequent disruptions in services like WhatsApp. These tools are crucial for those looking to maintain basic communication during politically sensitive times, such as protests, when internet access is often restricted.

Despite widespread use, including by government officials, who regularly access restricted platforms via VPNs, the authorities remain obsessed with curbing public access. This obsession reflects a deep disregard for online freedoms and a lack of understanding of how digital technologies work. In a globally connected world, controlling VPN access is inherently complicated and largely futile. Tech-savvy users can always find ways to bypass such restrictions, meaning the government’s approach to control VPN use is unlikely to be effective in the long run.

Impact on Cybersecurity: A Serious Concern for Pakistan’s Businesses

VPNs are not just a tool for individuals seeking online privacy—they are integral to the cybersecurity infrastructure for businesses across the globe. In Pakistan, this is especially important. According to a recent survey by PWC Pakistan, 90 percent of Pakistani bankers cited cybercrime as the biggest challenge facing the banking sector. Instead of fostering an environment that enhances cybersecurity and supports businesses, the government’s aggressive stance on VPNs threatens to dismantle these critical security measures. The new licensing system could weaken the very security infrastructure that businesses rely on to protect sensitive data and communications, leaving organizations more vulnerable to cyberattacks and data breaches.

VPNs provide an essential safeguard against cyber threats by encrypting data and masking users’ identities, especially when businesses and individuals operate in a landscape where cybercrime is rampant. By imposing stricter controls on VPNs, the government risks making the country’s cybersecurity framework more porous and open to attack, rather than securing it.

Privacy Concerns and Data Leaks: A Looming Threat

The push to regulate VPN services introduces new privacy risks. Under the new provisions, VPN service providers would be required to share information with the state, but there is no clear mechanism in place to ensure the safety of that data. Past instances of data breaches in government databases—such as the massive leak of personal data from the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA)—have shown that Pakistan’s regulatory agencies have significant weaknesses when it comes to data security. Between 2019 and 2023, the personal information of 2.7 million citizens was compromised due to lapses in data protection protocols.

With the government now seeking to access data from VPN providers, there is a valid concern about how that data will be handled and whether it could be vulnerable to leaks or misuse. The authorities have not demonstrated the capacity to securely manage sensitive information, and entrusting them with citizens’ data without clear safeguards in place only exacerbates the risk. Citizens will not only have to contend with an overbearing state but also with an incompetent regulatory apparatus that has proven it cannot protect their private information.

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Lack of Legal Safeguards and Oversight

The lack of a comprehensive data protection legal framework in Pakistan is another major issue. There are no clear laws in place that would require the government to justify its need for access to citizens’ data, nor are there legal safeguards to protect individuals’ privacy. Without judicial oversight and the need for the government to prove that access to citizens’ data is justified based on legitimate security concerns, the new regulatory regime could lead to widespread violations of fundamental rights.

The absence of these legal protections is especially concerning when considering that the government’s actions could be a significant step toward controlling online freedoms. In a country where dissenting voices are often silenced, the ability to access and monitor citizens’ online activities could further undermine freedom of expression. VPNs, which allow users to bypass censorship and communicate freely, are crucial in preserving this right. The state’s interference with VPN access could stifle political activism, limit free speech, and curb the flow of information.

Economic Impact: Hindering Digital Infrastructure and Business

Another overlooked consequence of the government’s move against VPNs is the potential harm to Pakistan’s business environment. Digital technologies are integral to modern businesses, and VPNs are a fundamental part of that infrastructure. By weakening VPN access, the government risks discouraging digital investment, hindering the growth of online businesses, and slowing down Pakistan’s integration into the global economy. Many businesses, especially those operating in sectors like finance and e-commerce, depend on secure digital channels to communicate, conduct transactions, and protect customer data.

The introduction of a licensing regime could add unnecessary regulatory burdens to businesses offering VPN services. For companies already grappling with complex regulations, this new scheme could make it even harder to operate, discouraging both local entrepreneurs and foreign investors. The restrictions on VPN access could further damage Pakistan’s already fragile digital infrastructure, undermining efforts to build a robust, secure online ecosystem that supports economic growth.

Conclusion: A Short-Sighted Approach with Long-Term Consequences

In conclusion, the Pakistani government’s latest move to regulate VPNs under a licensing regime is a short-sighted approach with significant long-term consequences. While the state claims this action is necessary for national security, it is clear that the primary aim is to exert control over citizens’ online freedoms. This strategy will undermine privacy, jeopardize cybersecurity, and exacerbate existing data protection vulnerabilities.

Without a comprehensive data protection framework and legal safeguards in place, these measures will likely do more harm than good. They will not only infringe on citizens’ rights but also stifle business innovation and economic growth. As digital technologies continue to play an increasingly critical role in global economies, it is essential for Pakistan to adopt policies that encourage secure, open, and innovative digital environments, rather than ones that clamp down on online freedoms and impede progress.