PTA launched the registration process for VPNs on December 19, no company has submitted a registration request, sources revealed on Monday. Ten days after PTA announced the opportunity, the authority has yet to receive any applications.
Although no applications have been filed yet, PTA sources are hopeful that they will begin to receive them within the next two to four weeks. The registration process is intended to bring VPN service providers under local regulatory oversight, with providers required to establish data centres in Pakistan to comply with national data protection laws.
In addition to the regulatory oversight, the PTA plans to charge VPN service providers a licensing fee ranging from Rs200,000 to Rs400,000. This initiative is part of the PTA’s effort to enhance cybersecurity measures by improving the ability to track cyberattacks. By gaining access to user data and browsing history, the PTA aims to monitor online activities and identify potential threats more effectively.
PTA’s decision to implement this registration requirement follows consultations with various stakeholders, including P@SHA. The association had formally requested the PTA to establish the registration process as a way to streamline the operation of VPN services. Providers will be required to set up local data centres to facilitate monitoring and ensure compliance with Pakistan’s data protection laws.
Once the registration process is fully operational, PTA will be able to more closely monitor VPN services and enforce compliance with local regulations. This will help the authority detect and track cyber threats more effectively while also ensuring that VPN providers meet the legal standards set by the government.
PTA’s initiative reflects a broader effort to regulate digital services in Pakistan, balancing the need for online privacy with the imperative of safeguarding the country’s cybersecurity infrastructure.
