On December 29, 2025, the Indian government implemented a widespread ban on virtual private networks (VPNs) in Kashmir, a move that residents say is exacerbating psychological distress. VPNs, which mask a user's internet protocol (IP) address by routing web traffic through a remote server, had been used by Kashmiris to circumvent internet restrictions and maintain secure online communication.
Basit Banday, an IT professional working for a Pune-based firm, told Al Jazeera that the ban has significantly impacted his ability to perform his job. Banday, who handles sensitive healthcare data, explained that VPNs were crucial for ensuring the data's protection from leaks and cyberattacks. "Without a VPN, I feel like I'm exposing my company's clients to unnecessary risk," he said.
The ban is the latest in a series of internet restrictions imposed in Kashmir, a region that has experienced frequent internet shutdowns in recent years. Critics argue that these restrictions are a form of digital control and a violation of fundamental rights. "India's internet ban is digital apartheid," a Kashmir group stated, referencing previous prolonged internet blackouts.
The government's rationale for the VPN ban centers on national security concerns, claiming that VPNs can be used to facilitate illegal activities and spread misinformation. However, residents argue that the ban disproportionately affects ordinary citizens and businesses. The inability to access information and communicate securely online adds to the existing anxieties and frustrations in the region, they say.
Industry experts note that the VPN ban could have broader implications for the IT sector in Kashmir, potentially hindering business operations and discouraging investment. The ban affects not only individual users but also organizations that rely on VPNs for secure data transmission and remote access.
The current status of the ban remains in effect, with no indication from the government as to when it might be lifted. Residents and advocacy groups are exploring legal challenges to the ban, arguing that it infringes on their rights to privacy and freedom of expression. The situation continues to evolve, with potential impacts on the region's economy and social fabric.
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