Pakistan orders freelancers to verify projects for VPN use

Pakistan's telecom regulator announced on Saturday a "simplified online registration process" for virtual private networks (VPNs), aimed at businesses and freelancers operating in the country.

In a press release, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) stated that organizations such as software houses, call centers, banks, and embassies can now register their VPNs through its official website. The service also extends to members of the Pakistan Software Export Board and independent freelancers.

Applicants must submit basic documentation, including national identity cards, company registration details, and taxpayer status. Freelancers are required to verify their project or company affiliations through official correspondence.

The free registration process takes eight to 10 hours to complete, according to PTA officials.

The authority reported that over 20,000 companies and freelancers have already registered their VPNs using the new system.

Past VPN disruptions

The streamlined registration process represents the latest chapter in Pakistan's extensive efforts to regulate VPN usage. Since 2020, the PTA has stepped up its campaign against unregistered VPNs, implementing widespread blocks across the country.

PTA officials maintain these temporary blockages are essential to their whitelisting process, citing unregistered VPNs as potential security threats that could compromise sensitive data.

The initiative traces back to 2010, with official records showing approximately 20,500 VPNs and over 1,422 companies successfully registered to date.

The authority's push for VPN registration has particularly affected Pakistan's growing digital workforce.

Under the new system, freelancers requiring VPNs for commercial purposes can apply under a dedicated category, provided they submit supporting evidence from their employers.

Those seeking fixed IP addresses for VPN connectivity can obtain them through their Internet Service Providers, according to the announcement.

The PTA emphasized its commitment to accelerating the whitelisting process while maintaining security protocols.