Pakistan has launched a crackdown on the use of virtual private networks (VPNs), which allow internet users to bypass government controls. Authorities say they are targeting "unregulated VPNs" allegedly used by criminals and militants, reports Radio Free Europe (RSE) in English.
However, activists say that the new restrictions are aimed at regulating the Internet space and further suppressing dissent in this South Asian country with about 240 million inhabitants.
"The VPN crackdown is the latest example of Pakistan's push for digital control," said Ramsha Jahangir of the Global Network Initiative, a Washington-based global digital rights organization.
The restrictions come after Pakistan introduced an internet "firewall" modeled after China earlier this year. The move caused internet outages and slowdowns, disrupting business and sparking complaints in the majority-Muslim country.
Efforts to curb the use of VPNs coincided with the political crisis caused by the jailing of former prime minister Imran Khan. His supporters, members of the opposition Pakistan Tehrik-e Insaf (PTI) party, have been protesting for months demanding his release.
"Climate of Fear"
VPNs are legal in most countries, but are banned or restricted in authoritarian countries like Russia, China and Iran, where authorities tightly control internet access and enforce censorship.
In November, Pakistan's Interior Ministry said it was seeking a ban on VPNs, claiming they were being used by militants to "incite violent activities". The ministry also said it wants to prevent access to "pornographic" and blasphemous content.
Later that month, Pakistan's top religious authority declared the use of VPNs "un-Islamic", claiming they contribute to the "spread of evil".
The government has since stated that it will no longer push for a ban on VPNs. However, it ordered individuals and companies to register their virtual private networks.
Digital rights campaigners claim the move effectively amounts to a ban on VPNs.
On December 7, the Pakistan Telecommunication Agency (PTA) announced that more than 31.000 companies and individuals had successfully registered their VPNs.
Pakistan's telecoms regulator said banks, software companies and embassies will be allowed to use VPNs, as well as individuals for commercial purposes.
However, activists see the crackdown on VPNs as an attempt at censorship.
"Pakistan not only restricts its citizens' ability to freely access information, but also contributes to a climate of fear and surveillance," said Jahangir of the Global Network Initiative.
The restrictions on VPNs are, she added, "indicative of a broader trend of increased Internet censorship."
"Right to life"
Dealing with VPNs and internet slowdowns have disrupted the daily work of companies and entrepreneurs.
Financial experts warn that internet outages could worsen Pakistan's severe economic crisis. The government estimates that the country earns more than $2,5 billion annually from digital exports of products and services.
"In the current economic environment, unstable internet signals are threatening their (human) right to existence," said Haris Khaliq, director of Pakistan's Human Rights Commission.
Sajjad Mustafa Sayed, president of the Pakistan Software House Association, said a complete ban on VPNs would be a "death blow" to the IT industry.
A total ban would also have "alarming consequences" for all Pakistanis, he added, "especially for political dissidents, vulnerable activists and journalists".
Farieha Aziz, co-founder of digital rights NGO Bolo Bhi, said the government was trying to create a "new norm" where it could shut down the internet whenever it wanted.
"No one will know when it will be available, what quality, what platforms or services and their functions," she said.
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