In response to a reported surge in suspicious online activity, the District Magistrate of Kupwara has imposed a complete ban on the use of Virtual Private Network (VPN) services across the district under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023The order was issued after the Senior Superintendent of Police, Kupwara/Handwara, informed the district administration about an alarming increase in the use of VPNs by unidentified and suspicious internet users. According to the police, the misuse of VPN services poses serious risks to public safety, cyber security, and the overall integrity of digital governance in the district.

The administration noted that VPNs can be exploited for unlawful and anti-national activities, including the spread of inflammatory or misleading content, coordination of unlawful acts, and attempts to disturb public order and tranquility. Citing these concerns, the District Magistrate invoked emergency powers to impose immediate restrictions on VPN usage.

As per the order, all forms of VPN services have been suspended within the territorial jurisdiction of Kupwara, except those specifically permitted by the government through an official authorization. The directive applies to all individuals, institutions, cyber cafés, and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) operating in the district.Srinagar city guide

The order further states that any violation of the ban will invite strict legal action under relevant provisions of law. Since it was not feasible to serve prior notice individually, the order has been issued ex-parte and is deemed to be applicable to the general public.

The Senior Superintendent of Police, Kupwara/Handwara, has been directed to ensure strict enforcement of the order on the ground. The restrictions will remain in force for a period of two months from the date of issuance, unless withdrawn or modified earlier by the competent authority.

The order was issued on December 29, 2025, and has come into effect with immediate effect.