A sweeping two-month ban on the use of virtual private networks (VPNs) in Indian-administered Kashmir has sparked widespread concern among IT professionals, journalists and civil liberties advocates, who warn that the order threatens livelihoods, privacy and fundamental freedoms.
Professionals fear job losses
Basit Banday, a 27-year-old IT professional from Pulwama working for a Pune-based firm, said the ban has put his job at risk. Like many in the technology sector, he relies on VPNs to securely access corporate systems and handle sensitive client data.
“VPNs are mandatory for most IT organisations. Without them, even corporate email access is blocked,” Banday said, adding that he may now be forced to relocate more than 2,000 km away from home.
The ban was imposed on December 29, with district administrators citing “national security” concerns and alleged misuse of VPNs to incite unrest.
Policing and device checks raise alarm
Following the order, police launched enforcement drives across the region. Videos circulating online showed security personnel stopping pedestrians and motorists, asking them to unlock their mobile phones for inspection.
Police said over 100 people were identified for alleged violations, though “genuine users” were later released after device checks and background verification.
Digital rights activists have criticised these actions as intrusive. Srinivas Kodali, a technology researcher, said merely having a VPN installed does not constitute a crime and termed phone checks a violation of privacy.
Journalists lose a layer of safety
Journalists in Kashmir say the ban removes a critical safety tool. A local reporter told Al Jazeera that VPNs are essential for investigative work in conflict zones, helping protect sources and communications.
Media watchdog Reporters Without Borders has previously described Kashmir as an “information black hole”, citing frequent internet restrictions.
Wider context of internet controls
According to monitors, nearly half of India’s internet shutdowns since 2012 have occurred in Kashmir. The region has faced heightened controls since 2019, when the government revoked Article 370 and brought Jammu and Kashmir under direct federal rule.
VPN providers such as ProtonVPN have criticised the ban, while legal experts argue its legality under India’s IT rules is questionable.
For many Kashmiris, the order is seen as another layer of psychological pressure. “It feels like we are on trial for our thoughts,” said one journalist.