The authorities in Rajouri district have taken decisive action by suspending all virtual private networks (VPNs) on mobile phones until the conclusion of the election process in the district, citing concerns over potential cyber threats and the protection of sensitive data.
The decision, outlined in an official order issued by District Magistrate Rajeev Kumar Khajuria, follows reports of unprecedented high usage of VPNs by suspicious internet users across different parts of the district. The order emphasizes the risks associated with VPNs, which encrypt data and create secure tunnels that can mask IP addresses and bypass internet blocks and firewalls, potentially exposing data related to the forthcoming Lok Sabha Elections and other sensitive information to cyber attacks.
In the order, Additional District Magistrate Rajeev Kumar Khajuria invoked Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (Cr. PC) to enact the suspension of all VPN services on mobile phones in Rajouri district. This measure is deemed necessary to safeguard critical data and information during the election period.
The move underscores the administration’s proactive stance on cybersecurity and underscores the importance of protecting electoral processes and sensitive data from potential threats during this critical period.