Jammu and Kashmir Police Book Dozens for VPN Use Amid Region-Wide Security Crackdown

Jammu and Kashmir Police Book Dozens for VPN Use Amid Region-Wide Security Crackdown

Dozens of people across Jammu and Kashmir have been booked after police intensified a crackdown on the unauthorised use of virtual private networks (VPNs), following a blanket ban imposed by the administration over security concerns.

Authorities have prohibited VPN usage in all districts of the Union Territory, arguing that such services are being misused and pose potential threats to national security.

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Budgam sees multiple FIRs

In Budgam district, police registered two FIRs on Saturday and initiated “security proceedings” against 11 individuals found using VPN services. Officials said that between December 29 and January 2, at least 24 people were identified for violating prohibitory orders related to VPN use.

“After prohibitory orders were issued by the district administration on December 29 banning unauthorised VPN usage, police carried out systematic verification and monitoring across Budgam,” police said in an official statement.

Those proceeded against were aged between 18 and 40 years. Police said security action was taken under Sections 126 and 170 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). All were later released after being bound down and issued formal warnings.

According to officials, the 24 individuals were allowed to go after signing bonds, with police cautioning them against future violations.

Phone checks across districts

On the ground, enforcement has involved direct verification of mobile phones and scrutiny of installed applications. In Kulgam district, police carried out intensive mobile phone checks, particularly in crowded marketplaces. Officers were seen stopping pedestrians and examining their devices for VPN-related applications.

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Officials said similar checks are being conducted in other parts of the Valley as part of a broader monitoring exercise.

Security concerns cited

Police maintain that VPN services are frequently used to bypass online restrictions imposed by security agencies in Jammu and Kashmir. After Operation Sindoor, authorities blocked access to several Pakistani newspapers, media websites, YouTube channels and numerous social media accounts.

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According to officials, VPNs allow users to circumvent these controls, making it harder for agencies to track online activity linked to misinformation, propaganda or other security-related concerns.

What is a VPN?

A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is a technology that allows users to create a secure connection over the internet, often while using public networks. It works by encrypting internet traffic and masking a user’s online identity.

While VPNs are widely used worldwide to enhance privacy and data security, authorities in Jammu and Kashmir argue that unauthorised use in the region can obstruct lawful monitoring and pose risks in a sensitive security environment.

Police said enforcement drives will continue and warned that action would be taken against anyone found violating the ban.