PTA Eases VPN Registration for Freelancers

Web Desk — The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has introduced a new initiative to assist freelancers, allowing Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to be registered using mobile numbers instead of static IP addresses.

“This step aims to further simplify the VPN registration process and support the IT industry,” the PTA announced in a statement on Saturday. The regulatory body revealed that over 31,000 VPNs have already been registered under its oversight.

The PTA encouraged users to register their VPNs via the authority’s official website, emphasizing the importance of compliance in light of government concerns over security risks associated with unregistered VPNs.

Initially, the PTA set a deadline of November 30 for VPN registration. However, it later decided against blocking VPNs after the deadline expired, extending the registration period. Similarly, the Ministry of Interior announced plans to shut down unregistered VPNs by mid-November but granted a two-week grace period to facilitate compliance.

PTA Chairman Maj Gen (Retd) Hafeez Ur Rehman confirmed to the media that VPN blocking was postponed due to the government’s decision to extend the deadline.

The use of VPNs, which are widely employed globally to access restricted content and enhance data security, has grown significantly in Pakistan. This surge followed the government’s ban on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) earlier this year, citing national security concerns.

Stakeholders, including freelancers and the IT sector, have consistently called for more flexibility in the registration process. The PTA maintains that registering VPNs is vital for strengthening cybersecurity and protecting national security and sensitive data.

VPN Registration Process
The VPN registration process involves filling out an online form and providing key details such as:

Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC)
Company registration details
Taxpayer status
Freelancers must submit additional documentation, including a letter or email verifying their affiliation with a project or company. Applicants are also required to provide the IP address intended for VPN use. For those needing a fixed IP address, it can be obtained from an Internet Service Provider (ISP).