Unregistered VPN users in Pakistan will be banned after June 30

[WebMaster]

Until June 30, VPN users in Pakistan will have to register their virtual private networks to Internet providers or be banned from using them. This announcement came from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), who said that the measure is meant to promote legal ICT services in Pakistan and boost the safety of telecom users. Under clause 6 of Monitoring and Reconciliation of Telephony Traffic Regulations (MRITT), 2010, the PTA can monitor and block any traffic originating or terminating in Pakistan, no matter if it’s encrypted or not. This applies to voice and data, as well as encrypted VoIP services.


According to Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, this measure was taken strictly to discourage illegal traffic and stop those who were causing loss to the exchequer by violating telecom rules and regulations. Legitimate users will be able to use their VPNs as usual, by filling in two forms and providing basic documentation. This can be done free of charge.


In these documents, Pakistani VPN users will have to share with their Internet service provider details such as:

• Their static IP address
• The details of their VPN software
• The purpose of using VPN software
• Business details, if applicable

This isn’t the first measure against illegal traffic coming from the PTA. The enterprise started registering VPNs in 2010. So, what classifies as illegal traffic? According to the PTA, this includes unlawful gateway exchanges aimed to bypass legal telecom gateways and avoid applicable taxes through VoIP, GSM, WLL phones, mobile SIMs, and any other equipment.


To lower what’s called “grey traffic,” the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority will use an advanced web monitoring system, which uses Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) to monitor communications and record traffic for the PTA. This system cost $18.5 million and was developed by a Canadian company.


The system will continuously analyze traffic to and from Pakistan and, if it detects traffic that looks like a VPN and it’s not registered, it will block that connection. According to Amin Shah Gilani, former CTO at Patari, the state-of-the-art system used by the PTA uses machine learning to identify patterns in the user’s browsing behavior and match it against other known types of behavior to understand their actions.


PTA officials explained that, while the current measures aim to stop unregistered use of VPN services, they will not ban the use of Tor – a web browser that enables anonymous communication.


Can you still use a VPN in Pakistan?
According to ExpressVPN's guide on what is a VPN, a VPN works like a secure tunnel between you and the Internet. Users who already have one and rely on it for daily tasks might be wondering if they’re still allowed to do that or if they’ll have to change their browsing habits. However, despite these measures, the use of a VPN is still legal in Pakistan, provided that users respect the regulations of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority and register their VPN. However, users have reported that during busy periods, such as holidays or anniversaries, connecting to a VPN can be difficult, which is why taking these steps are recommended:

• Make sure the VPN has the latest update installed
• Check the VPN’s server status for Pakistan
• Change the server locations and connection protocols several times
• Be patient; even if the VPN connects, it still might be a bit slow

Will Pakistan block all VPNs?
There have been many “VPN scares” in recent years in Pakistan, but even with tightening regulations, it would be very difficult for the PTA to block all VPN completely. In general, when major changes are made, VPN companies manage to adjust and, besides, with this latest measure, the PTA doesn’t aim to block all use of VPNs but instead stop illegal traffic.


What is a VPN?
In recent years, the use of VPNs has grown considerably all over the world, and, according to the latest statistics, up to 26% of international Internet users have a VPN.


In Pakistan, VPNs have become popular too. But what is a VPN, and why has it gained such a massive following lately?


A VPN (Virtual Private Network) adds an extra layer of security to your Internet connection, so that the user can protect their sensitive data. The VPN conceals the user’s real IP address and replaces it with a different one so that it will appear as if they’re browsing the Web from another location. It’s like a secure tunnel between the user’s device and the Web.


Thus, by masking the user’s real location, the VPN not only encrypts data transfers but also allows users to access blocked websites. For example, in locations such as China and the Middle East, VPNs are very popular among tourists who want to use the same social networks to stay in touch with friends and family, or who want to access content on entertainment and streaming services freely. In countries with strict web browsing regulations, governments have tried consistently to block VPNs completely but failed, so we probably won’t see VPNs going away any time soon.


Initially, VPNs were used to connect business networks securely and allow company employees to access the business network from home. But, in time, they started gaining mainstream popularity from personal users, who discovered benefits such as:

• Access content that is banned or unavailable in their country (i.e., certain YouTube videos).
• Unlock all content on streaming services (for example, Netflix offers less content in smaller countries compared to the US or the UK).
• Gain protection against unsafe Wi-Fi hotspots. This includes those rogue Wi-Fi networks set up by hackers, as well as the free hotspots in hotels and restaurants, which have a low level of encryption and make it very easy for cybercriminals to snoop on user’s passwords and personal data.
• Prevent websites from logging your personal data. With more and more advertisers using web trackers to collect user browsing data, people want to regain at least some level of control with a VPN.
• Access your home network while on the go. The VPN lets you access a Windows Remote Desktop over the Internet and use all the local files on your home computer as if you were there. This feature is especially useful while traveling because you can access the same content.

All in all, Internet users in Pakistan who love VPN for all these features can continue to use them. Still, to prevent their ISP from blocking them, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority advises them to register the VPN.

 

[PakSword]

A long awaited step in the right direction.

 

[BL33D]

Whom does it benefit ? Pros and Cons for a Pakistani ? No fear of snooping from the state ?

 

[Clutch]

Whom does it benefit ? Pros and Cons for a Pakistani ? No fear of snooping from the state ?

P0rn addicts, Terrorist, and corrupt people lose out!

Great move!

 

[Ahmet Pasha]

We all know Bwoys of Pakistan VPN laga kar kahan jatey hain.

Whom does it benefit ? Pros and Cons for a Pakistani ? No fear of snooping from the state ?

 

[truthfollower]

Pakistan Telecommunication Authority advises them to register the VPN.

where is the form or link to register VPN

According to the PTA, this includes unlawful gateway exchanges aimed to bypass legal telecom gateways and avoid applicable taxes through VoIP, GSM, WLL phones, mobile SIMs, and any other equipment.

why not just raid those illegal telephone exchanges and call centers? In the end common people are suffering

All in all, Internet users in Pakistan who love VPN for all these features can continue to use them. Still, to prevent their ISP from blocking them, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority advises them to register the VPN.

unable to find any info, form or anything of that sort from internet related to vpn registration. Nothing on PTA website nothing on the internet.

 

[achhu]

View attachment 648688

Until June 30, VPN users in Pakistan will have to register their virtual private networks to Internet providers or be banned from using them. This announcement came from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), who said that the measure is meant to promote legal ICT services in Pakistan and boost the safety of telecom users. Under clause 6 of Monitoring and Reconciliation of Telephony Traffic Regulations (MRITT), 2010, the PTA can monitor and block any traffic originating or terminating in Pakistan, no matter if it’s encrypted or not. This applies to voice and data, as well as encrypted VoIP services.


According to Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, this measure was taken strictly to discourage illegal traffic and stop those who were causing loss to the exchequer by violating telecom rules and regulations. Legitimate users will be able to use their VPNs as usual, by filling in two forms and providing basic documentation. This can be done free of charge.


In these documents, Pakistani VPN users will have to share with their Internet service provider details such as:

• Their static IP address
• The details of their VPN software
• The purpose of using VPN software
• Business details, if applicable

This isn’t the first measure against illegal traffic coming from the PTA. The enterprise started registering VPNs in 2010. So, what classifies as illegal traffic? According to the PTA, this includes unlawful gateway exchanges aimed to bypass legal telecom gateways and avoid applicable taxes through VoIP, GSM, WLL phones, mobile SIMs, and any other equipment.


To lower what’s called “grey traffic,” the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority will use an advanced web monitoring system, which uses Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) to monitor communications and record traffic for the PTA. This system cost $18.5 million and was developed by a Canadian company.


The system will continuously analyze traffic to and from Pakistan and, if it detects traffic that looks like a VPN and it’s not registered, it will block that connection. According to Amin Shah Gilani, former CTO at Patari, the state-of-the-art system used by the PTA uses machine learning to identify patterns in the user’s browsing behavior and match it against other known types of behavior to understand their actions.


PTA officials explained that, while the current measures aim to stop unregistered use of VPN services, they will not ban the use of Tor – a web browser that enables anonymous communication.


Can you still use a VPN in Pakistan?
According to ExpressVPN's guide on what is a VPN, a VPN works like a secure tunnel between you and the Internet. Users who already have one and rely on it for daily tasks might be wondering if they’re still allowed to do that or if they’ll have to change their browsing habits. However, despite these measures, the use of a VPN is still legal in Pakistan, provided that users respect the regulations of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority and register their VPN. However, users have reported that during busy periods, such as holidays or anniversaries, connecting to a VPN can be difficult, which is why taking these steps are recommended:

• Make sure the VPN has the latest update installed
• Check the VPN’s server status for Pakistan
• Change the server locations and connection protocols several times
• Be patient; even if the VPN connects, it still might be a bit slow

Will Pakistan block all VPNs?
There have been many “VPN scares” in recent years in Pakistan, but even with tightening regulations, it would be very difficult for the PTA to block all VPN completely. In general, when major changes are made, VPN companies manage to adjust and, besides, with this latest measure, the PTA doesn’t aim to block all use of VPNs but instead stop illegal traffic.


What is a VPN?
In recent years, the use of VPNs has grown considerably all over the world, and, according to the latest statistics, up to 26% of international Internet users have a VPN.


In Pakistan, VPNs have become popular too. But what is a VPN, and why has it gained such a massive following lately?


A VPN (Virtual Private Network) adds an extra layer of security to your Internet connection, so that the user can protect their sensitive data. The VPN conceals the user’s real IP address and replaces it with a different one so that it will appear as if they’re browsing the Web from another location. It’s like a secure tunnel between the user’s device and the Web.


Thus, by masking the user’s real location, the VPN not only encrypts data transfers but also allows users to access blocked websites. For example, in locations such as China and the Middle East, VPNs are very popular among tourists who want to use the same social networks to stay in touch with friends and family, or who want to access content on entertainment and streaming services freely. In countries with strict web browsing regulations, governments have tried consistently to block VPNs completely but failed, so we probably won’t see VPNs going away any time soon.


Initially, VPNs were used to connect business networks securely and allow company employees to access the business network from home. But, in time, they started gaining mainstream popularity from personal users, who discovered benefits such as:

• Access content that is banned or unavailable in their country (i.e., certain YouTube videos).
• Unlock all content on streaming services (for example, Netflix offers less content in smaller countries compared to the US or the UK).
• Gain protection against unsafe Wi-Fi hotspots. This includes those rogue Wi-Fi networks set up by hackers, as well as the free hotspots in hotels and restaurants, which have a low level of encryption and make it very easy for cybercriminals to snoop on user’s passwords and personal data.
• Prevent websites from logging your personal data. With more and more advertisers using web trackers to collect user browsing data, people want to regain at least some level of control with a VPN.
• Access your home network while on the go. The VPN lets you access a Windows Remote Desktop over the Internet and use all the local files on your home computer as if you were there. This feature is especially useful while traveling because you can access the same content.

All in all, Internet users in Pakistan who love VPN for all these features can continue to use them. Still, to prevent their ISP from blocking them, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority advises them to register the VPN.

very difficult to cap all vpns

 

[truthfollower]

Problems with PTA’s VPN Registration

Posted by Bolo Bhi | June 20, 2020 | Blog



by

Saihaj Shahbaz Butt
On 10th June, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) made a press release confirming that they will be continuing their (Virtual Private Network) VPN registration process.



If all VPNs require registration, this is truly petrifying & is a blatant attempt by PTA to tighten their grip at the cost of civil liberties; and needs to be opposed. VPN registration is a violation of privacy & leaves our information susceptible to abuse.

The following six points will be covered:

1) What happens while using VPNs

2) VPN registration & public surveillance

3) Monitoring common Pakistanis

4) Vague PTA guidelines

5) Targeting dissidents

6) Need for transparency

1) What happens while using VPNs:

Common users connecting to a VPN server are typically doing so for either of the two purposes:
– accessing data that is locally blocked or unavailable.
– protecting their identity.

When connected to a VPN:
– your ISP (Internet Service Provider) cannot view your activity since data is encrypted.
– your VPN service providers can see every action that they are performing.

The remaining piece will elaborate on why the second point above is a cause of grave concern for all Pakistani citizens.

2) VPN Registration & Public Surveillance:

Registering your VPN would not only link the exact VPN service you’ve subscribed to your identity in the government’s database, but will allow them to request & access data about you at will – data that you want to protect from them. Non-compliant VPN service providers can have their services blocked by the government. VPN registration is a public surveillance tool which asks for our trust & then infringes liberties in return.

Registration of VPNs is refusal to allow open access to information & sets a dangerous & unethical precedent of trapping VPN users by providing them a false sense of security while browsing. Thought your data tunnel is encrypted? The government can access it now! It is only a matter of time till our government contacts VPN service providers (especially free ones) and demands information from them that you have every right to keep private.

3) Monitoring Pakistani citizens:

Registering VPNs defeats the purpose of using one. Online content is blocked by the government because they do not want you to access it. It potentially compromises on anonymity & allows the government to monitor content the user has accessed, which is the user’s right.

Empirically speaking, most users in Pakistan use free VPN applications & this is an immediate cause for alarm. A sizeable chunk is ignorant about how pop-up ads work, let alone realising how free VPNs incorporate data collection & data-selling into business models.

With free VPN services being used in abundance, the state can freely:
– have agreements with the VPN service providers identified.
– identify & block their servers.
– silently monitor users’ activities without user consent or knowledge.

As evident, there is no winning here for internet users.

4) Vague PTA guidelines:

PTA’s unclear guidelines set the basis for our state to punish users for any action deemed fair by them to be categorised as ‘illegal traffic’. All instances of ‘illegal traffic’ must be explicitly defined to prevent abuse of power.

PTA’s objectives & procedures remain unclear, & no proactive approach has been adopted to properly advertise their message to promote VPN registration. The public is unaware yet PTA has only provided a modest four-week registration window.

The most frightening part is that these unclear guidelines can be left in their present state or be later expanded upon to hand the government more unchecked autonomy to define & act upon what does and does not qualify as free speech.

5) Targeting dissidents:

Assuming that all VPNs must be registered, this unfortunately appears to be a step to unveil identities of anonymous, critical, dissenting user accounts on social media who depend on anonymity granted to them by VPNs. These users are highly vulnerable, cannot speak out in real life due to repercussions, & keep discourse ablaze on sensitive subjects that would otherwise flatten out. This is unacceptable & awareness must be spread about it.

Pakistan has an extensive history of cracking down on dissidents through enforced disappearances, narrowing down patriotic definitions to put individuals at risk, & delivering mob justice upon accusation. VPN registration can be misused to increase & legitimise instances of such nature in the future.

6) Need for transparency:

Without reasonable justifications, this would mark another stride towards heightening surveillance, free speech infringement, & authoritarianism. SOPs of government-deployed COVID-19 tracking systems remain unknown too. More information on: https://www.dawn.com/news/1552299/tracking-covid-19

While this may not be their intent, PTA has shown no transparency & is yet to communicate why registering VPNs is suddenly necessary. Who is it for? What information are they seeking? How do they intend to use this information? It is our right to know under Article 19-A.

Do remember that Pakistan frequently exercises liberty to block websites (notably political) that do not suit their agenda. Pakistan must not employ sinister methods to surveil citizens, but most signs point towards them doing so until further clarification is issued.

Finally, I conclude with two statements:

The gap between the state & VPN service providers should never be bridged.

If our suspicions prove to be true, this is an attack on our liberties & our public is blissfully unaware of the consequences this will have.

Footnotes regarding VPNs:

Using VPNs does not guarantee security. Selecting secure & reliable VPN service providers can be a challenge in itself. These companies are aware of your true IP address & can map your browsing activity onto it.

Free VPNs are notorious for selling your information & bandwidth to parties unknown to you. An example of this is Hola VPN. Hola VPN is a free VPN service provider which sells its users’ bandwidth. The implications will terrify you. More information on: https://www.theverge.com/2015/5/29/8685251/hola-vpn-botnet-selling-users-bandwidth

Please use VPN services that clearly outline their policies for data collection, deletion, & sharing processes.

Saihaj is a Computer Science major who follows politics & firmly believes in the protection of human rights.

https://bolobhi.org/problems-with-ptas-vpn-registration/

A long awaited step in the right direction.

can you please explain how it is step in the right direction?

 

[Metal 0-1]

P0rn addicts, Terrorist, and corrupt people lose out!

Great move!

My Spotify too.

 

[Genghis khan1]

A long awaited step in the right direction.

Kills the purpose of using VPN. Tor is developed by NSA. It says, Tor users will not be blocked.

P0rn addicts, Terrorist, and corrupt people lose out!

Great move!

Why P0rn..

We all know Bwoys of Pakistan VPN laga kar kahan jatey hain.

Kahi nhi jaty, apny ghar main hi rahty hain. Wasay Baki dunia ky boy/girl b **** dekty hain. Pakistan koi anhoni qom nhi.

 

[darksider]

P0rn addicts, Terrorist, and corrupt people lose out!

Great move!

Why you think people use vpn for only pron?
Terrorists and corrupt will find other ways.
They will not stop with banning vpn.
We are going in direction of great fire wall of Pakistan.

Kills the purpose of using VPN. Tor is developed by NSA. It says, Tor users will not be blocked.


Why P0rn..


Kahi nhi jaty, apny ghar main hi rahty hain. Wasay Baki dunia ky boy/girl b **** dekty hain. Pakistan koi anhoni qom nhi.

Jis ney dekhna hey wo dekh rahey ga jis nahi dekhna wo wesey hi nahi dekhey ga.