PTA Eases VPN Registration for Freelancers via Mobile Numbers

Islamabad: In a move to support freelancers and the IT industry, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has announced that individuals without static IP addresses can now register Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) using their mobile numbers.

The PTA, in a statement issued on Saturday, described the initiative as a step towards simplifying the VPN registration process. The regulatory body has already registered over 31,000 VPNs, highlighting its ongoing efforts to address industry concerns.

How to Register

Users can now access the PTA’s website to register their VPNs against their mobile numbers, ensuring compliance with national cybersecurity policies.

Security Concerns and Deadlines

The development follows heightened security concerns raised by the government, which prompted the PTA to mandate VPN registration. While the original deadline for compliance was November 30, the PTA later extended the deadline, offering a grace period instead of blocking unregistered VPNs.

The Ministry of Interior had initially planned to begin shutting down unregistered VPNs by mid-November but revised its timeline following pushback from stakeholders. PTA Chairman Maj Gen (Retd) Hafeez Ur Rehman assured users that the authority would not immediately block VPNs and that efforts were underway to accommodate broader compliance.

Growing VPN Usage in Pakistan

VPN usage in Pakistan has surged, particularly after the government imposed restrictions on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) earlier this year, citing national security concerns. VPNs are widely used to bypass content restrictions and ensure data privacy.

IT Industry and Freelancer Support

Freelancers and IT professionals have been vocal in advocating for an extension of the VPN registration deadline, given the critical role VPNs play in secure online operations and accessing global markets.

The PTA stressed the importance of VPN registration for enhancing cybersecurity, protecting national interests, and ensuring data protection. The simplified registration process is expected to facilitate compliance while addressing industry demands for flexible and secure internet access.