Jammu, December 1, 2025 — Authorities in the border districts of Poonch and Rajouri in Jammu and Kashmir have ordered an immediate two-month suspension of all virtual private network (VPN) services. The move comes amid concerns over misuse of encrypted online tools for unlawful activities. (Lokmat Times)
In Rajouri, the state administration — via the District Magistrate under the directive of the police — issued the order after police flagged a sudden surge in VPN usage across various areas. Officials described the usage as “unprecedented and suspicious.” (KashmirPEN) The administration warned that by masking IP addresses, bypassing firewalls and website blocks, and using encrypted data channels, VPNs can be exploited for anti-national or criminal activities, including spreading inflammatory content or coordinating unlawful operations. (The Tribune)
Shortly after, the district administration in Poonch followed suit. The order, issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), applies to all individuals, institutions, cyber cafés and Internet Service Providers in the district. The order warns of legal action under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) against anyone found violating the ban. (Lokmat Times)
According to the Poonch District Magistrate, the suspension followed police reports of unusually high VPN traffic, reportedly from “suspicious internet users” at multiple locations across the district. Authorities emphasized that encrypted VPN traffic could pose cyber-security risks and threatened public order if misused. (Khushal e Kashmir)
Authorities have directed the Senior Superintendents of Police in both districts to ensure strict enforcement of the blanket ban. The two-month restriction is being described by officials as a preventive measure in the interest of public safety and national security. (KashmirPEN)
What the suspension means for residents and internet users
- All VPN-based services — including private VPN apps, VPN-enabled browsers, and encrypted proxy services — are banned across Poonch and Rajouri for the next two months.
- The ban also extends to institutions, cyber cafés, and ISPs; non-compliance may invite legal action under BNS. (The Tribune)
- Users relying on VPNs for privacy, remote work, access to restricted content, or secure communications may face disruptions.
- Authorities claim that the move is necessary to prevent misuse of encrypted communication for activities that could threaten public order or security.
Context — increasing security concerns in border districts
The border-district status of Poonch and Rajouri places them in a sensitive security environment. Officials assert that recent spikes in encrypted internet traffic via VPNs have raised red flags. The decision reflects a growing trend in Jammu & Kashmir’s border districts where authorities are tightening surveillance and internet-usage restrictions, often citing national security and public safety. (IBTimes India)
Local administrations say the blanket ban is temporary and aimed at preventing potential misuse of VPN services for coordinating anti-social or anti-national activities — including dissemination of inflammatory content or covert communications. (The Tribune)
Reactions & implications
The suspension affects ordinary net users, local businesses, freelance professionals, students, and anyone who used VPNs for privacy or remote-work needs. Given the blanket nature of the order, many legitimate uses of VPN — including secure remote access, data privacy, access to globally distributed work, or simply bypassing geo-restrictions — will be disrupted.
While authorities emphasise public safety and prevention of misuse, critics may argue that such broad bans can curb fundamental digital freedoms and privacy — especially for innocent users. The coming days may see debates on balancing national security with citizens’ internet-access rights.