In the last few months, PTA has declared the move to escalate the banned rate of VPNs in Pakistan. It has therefore elicited different responses from different interest groups such as Internet freedom organizations, business entities, and various Internet users. This decision by the PTA is also linked with the core discussions relating to Internet governance, security, and liberty in the context of Pakistan.
The PTA’s Justification
ATA has explained several reasons why it has had to act on VPNs, and that is where we find some truth in its arguments. First of all, the authority claims that VPNs can be utilized to ignore Internet regulations and access content, which is lawful or security-wise unlawful, for purpose. Thus, by hiding users’ IP addresses, VPNs enable people to surf the internet without revealing their identities, which the PTA argues can be used for unlawful purposes, such as criminal activity and sharing of materials for radicalization.
Effects on Business Organizations and Professionals
Although there is a valid reason being offered by the PTA whereby, they just have blocked or are planning to block these VPNs to help enhance security and to contain the law enforcers, there have been concerns raised especially by the business entity and working professionals. VPNs become popular in the corporate environment to provide safe remote access to the company’s resources, shield data and let separate teams collaborate securely regardless of their location.
Fears for Freedom of Expression through the Internet and Privacy
Freedom of speech activists and other groups mostly related to the defense of Internet rights strongly oppose the PTA’s initiatives. As they say, it distorts the principles of human rights such as the right to privacy and freedom of expression if VPNs are barred. VPNs are somewhat essential and reliable means of ensuring private information is protected from hackers, surveillance as well as data corrupting raids.
In a country where the opponents of the government already complained about censorship and surveillance, the decision to block VPNs is discussed as the next step to diminishing the freedom of the people on the Internet. Opponents of the laws worry that this was the start of a general trend of the government exerting more regulatory authority over the internet, which they say is already too often used to suppress news and dissent. The use of VPNs especially in accessing information that is censored for one reason or another is very important to a Journalist, a Researcher, and an Activist among others.
The Way Forward
As the PTA continues to proceed with the blocking processes of VPNs, it is now high time to assess the security requirements against the genuine requirements of the business and user-centric organizations. It is possible to use more advanced tactics, such as banning VPNs but allowing their moderate use instead. For example, the PTA could publish registration requirements for VPN services, so they meet specific security and legal requirements while keeping their clients’ anonymity and liberty intact.
Conclusion
The recently developed strategies of the PTA to extend the barrier to VPNs across Pakistan have raised many questions and issues regarding internet governance and freedom as well as security. However, the authority may try to justify its decision in the line of national security and cybercrimes, but there are huge impacts on business, professional fields, and most importantly internet users. Indeed, finding the right note between security and freedom will be the next feat to achieve to address all the prospectively inherent in this policy while making Pakistan advance in the world of the Internet without losing its spirit and favorable economic prospects.
