Dodda, September 6 : District Magistrate Doda, Sh. Krishan Lal (JKAS), has ordered a complete prohibition on the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) across the district under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023.
The order follows reports of alleged misuse of VPN services by certain individuals and groups to circumvent lawful cyber restrictions and access prohibited applications, websites and digital content.
According to the District Magistrate, such activities could potentially pose a threat to public order, tranquillity and national security. He observed that VPNs may be misused for unlawful and anti-national activities, including incitement of unrest, dissemination of inflammatory material and coordination of activities that could adversely affect law and order.
The prohibition will apply to all individuals, institutions, cyber cafés, business entities and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) operating within District Doda.
However, the order provides an exception for cases explicitly authorised by the Government through an official order.
The District Magistrate has warned that any person found violating the directive will be liable for legal action under the relevant provisions of law.
The Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Doda, has been directed to ensure strict enforcement of the order and take necessary action against violators.
The move comes amid heightened concerns over the misuse of digital platforms and communication tools for activities that may have implications for public order and security
