PTA Registers 20,437 VPN Providers Amid Ongoing Cybersecurity Efforts

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has successfully registered 20,437 VPN service providers as part of its continued efforts to secure the country’s digital infrastructure. This initiative is part of the broader VPN whitelisting process that PTA has been conducting since 2010, aimed at ensuring cybersecurity and compliance within the telecom sector.

Among the registered VPNs, 1,286 companies have registered a total of 19,840 VPNs across Pakistan. Additionally, freelancers and the Software Houses Association (P@SHA) have also contributed to the registration process, with 136 freelancers registering 180 VPNs, and P@SHA registering 417 VPNs.

As the PTA moves forward with this initiative, it aims to curb the illegal use of VPNs in the country. According to government sources, once the unauthorized usage of VPNs is brought under control, the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) will be fully enforced.

In tandem with the VPN registration process, PTA has also blocked 469 mobile applications, including 435 Android apps and 34 Apple apps, for containing content deemed anti-Islamic, promoting immorality, or engaging in fraudulent activities.