The District Administration Doda has prohibited the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) in the interest of public safety, cyber security and overall integrity of digital governance in the District.
An order issued by District Magistrate Harvinder Singh stated that it has been brought to the notice that certain individuals and groups are misusing VPNs to circumvent lawful cyber restrictions and access prohibited applications, websites and digital content thereby posing a serious threat to public order, tranquility and national security.
The order further read, “In exercise of powers conferred upon me under Section 163 of the BNSS, 2023, do hereby order complete prohibition on the use of VPNs except those explicitly permitted by the government through official order within the territorial jurisdiction of district Doda, with immediate effect, until further orders.”
This order shall apply on all individuals, institutions, Cyber Cafes and internet service providers (ISP) operating in the district. The SSP Doda shall ensure implementation of this order in letter and spirit.
