Govt to extend deadline for VPN registration

ISLAMABAD: The deadline for Virtual Private Network (VPN) registration is probably going to be extended by the federal government until the end of December 2024.

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has asked to extend the deadline for VPN registration, which is currently set for November 30 due to intense pressure.

Due to the VPN ban that began on November 30, about one million independent contractors who generate approximately $400 million in revenue are at danger. Both a longer registration period and a more straightforward registration process have been demanded by numerous parties.

The Committee on the proposed blocking of VPNs from November 30 was not satisfied by the Ministry of Information Technology or PTA.

PTA believed that internet shutdowns in Pakistan would cease if VPNs were registered. Since implementing the policy in 2016, PTA has registered over 25,000 VPNs. Businesses in Pakistan would experience fewer internet problems if they registered for VPNs.

Additionally, PTA revealed that enterprises and freelancers now have an easier time registering for VPNs. Software companies, contact centers, banks, embassies, and independent contractors can now register their VPNs via the PTA’s official website, the organization said in a statement.

The statement added that this opportunity is available to members of the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB). PTA clarified that candidates must complete an online form and submit basic information in order to finish the VPN registration.