Kupwara Orders Two-Month Shutdown of VPN Services Under BNSS
Officials say a surge in suspicious VPN use threatens public order under powers granted by the BNSS.
Overview
- District Magistrate Shrikant Balasaheb Suse invoked Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, to suspend VPN services.
- The order takes effect immediately and will remain in force for two months unless withdrawn sooner.
- The restriction covers individuals, institutions, cyber cafes and Internet Service Providers across Kupwara.
- Violations will invite legal action, with the Senior Superintendent of Police directed to ensure strict enforcement.
- Only VPNs explicitly permitted by a government order are exempt, and the step follows recent district-level bans reported in Kathua and Kishtwar.