Srinagar, Jan 4 — The Jammu and Kashmir administration has intensified its crackdown on the use of unauthorised Virtual Private Network (VPN) services, identifying nearly 800 individuals across the Kashmir Valley for allegedly violating prohibitory orders imposed over ‘cyber security and public safety concerns.’
Officials said district magistrates across the Valley have imposed a two-month blanket ban on the use of unauthorised VPN services with immediate effect. The restrictions, first notified on December 29, 2025, seeks to prevent misuse of encrypted platforms that could obstruct ‘lawful monitoring or pose security risks.’
Police said that between December 29, 2025, and January 2, 2026, 24 individuals were identified for violating the prohibitory orders. Following technical analysis and investigation, two FIRs were registered against individuals said to have “adverse terror-related backgrounds.”
Security proceedings were also initiated against 11 individuals aged between 18 and 40 years for non-compliance with the orders. They were bound down under Sections 126 and 170 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) and later released after being warned, a police spokesperson said.
In south Kashmir’s Shopian district, police said a district-wide verification drive led to the identification of 15 individuals using unauthorised VPN services. Officials said technical scrutiny and background verification were conducted to check for any terror-related links or adverse antecedents.
Similar action was reported from north Kashmir’s Sopore area, where police identified 23 individuals using unauthorised VPNs. The District Magistrate of Baramulla had issued prohibitory orders banning such services on December 29.
Police said verification and monitoring drives were also carried out in central Kashmir’s Budgam district, where action was initiated against individuals found using unauthorised VPN services.
The ban has also been extended to parts of the Jammu region. On Sunday, the District Magistrate of Udhampur imposed a two-month prohibition on the use of VPN services in the district.
Authorities said the restrictions were imposed as a preventive measure to ensure cyber security, public safety and the maintenance of law and order.
The move comes amid increased online activity around political expression in the Valley. Journalists tracking social media trends say several unverified accounts had encouraged users to adopt VPN services, portraying them as tools for anonymity and protection while sharing sensitive content.
