The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has resumed the registration process for Virtual Private Network (VPN) service providers, offering class licenses for data services, with fees ranging between Rs100,000 and Rs300,000. This move aims to bring VPN providers under strict regulatory oversight, ensuring they operate with locally registered data centers and comply with Pakistan’s data protection laws.
The class licensing framework is designed to allow the PTA to effectively monitor VPN services and enhance cybersecurity efforts. Under the new rules, the PTA will have access to user data and browsing history, which will help in tracking cyberattacks and identifying potential threats more efficiently.
This initiative follows consultations with various stakeholders, including the Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA), which advocated for this registration process to streamline operations. VPN providers will now need to ensure compliance with local data protection laws and establish local data centers for regulatory oversight.
Previously, the PTA issued licenses for telecom and internet services, but this new category specifically targets VPN services. The goal is to encourage local VPN service providers, which will be subject to Pakistan’s laws, rather than relying on foreign providers. According to PTA’s guidelines, existing VPN service providers must also adhere to these new licensing terms, which include promptly providing any requested information to the PTA regarding their technologies or services.
