DODA: District Magistrate Doda, Krishan Lal, has imposed a complete ban on the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) across the district under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, citing concerns over their alleged misuse for unlawful activities.
According to an official order, the prohibition has been imposed following reports that certain individuals and groups were using VPN services to bypass lawful cyber restrictions and access prohibited applications, websites and digital content.
The order states that such activities could pose a threat to public order, public tranquillity and national security, and may be exploited for unlawful purposes, including dissemination of inflammatory content, incitement of unrest and coordination of activities prejudicial to law and order.
The ban applies to all individuals, institutions, cyber cafés, business establishments and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) operating within the district. However, exemptions may be granted in cases specifically authorised by the government through an official order.
The District Magistrate warned that any violation of the order would attract legal action under the relevant provisions of law.
The Senior Superintendent of Police, Doda, has been directed to ensure strict implementation and enforcement of the order across the district.
