Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) continued whitelisting process of VPNs and so far 20,437 VPN service providers have registered with the PTA.
So far, 1286 VPN companies have registered 19,840 VPNs in Pakistan.
Freelancers have also begun registering VPNs in use. 136 freelancers have registered 180 VPNs.
The Software Houses Association (P@SHA) has registered 417 VPNs.
In total, 1,422 companies have registered VPNs with the PTA.
According to government sources, the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) will be enforced once the illegal use of VPNs is halted. VPN registration and whitelisting by the PTA have been ongoing since 2010.
So far, 469 mobile applications have been blocked.
The blocked applications include 435 Android apps and 34 Apple apps.
These applications were blocked for containing anti-Islamic content, promoting immorality, and engaging in fraud.
Read more: PTA has blocked 183 'illegal' mobile apps, 2,369 'prohibited' websites
PTA clarification on cybersecurity audit
Pakistan Telecommunication Audit (PTA) officials stated that the purpose of the cybersecurity audit is to ensure the sustainability of telecom infrastructure and consumer cybersecurity.
According to the PTA, a Cybersecurity Audit is conducted regularly every year under the Cybersecurity Regulations of 2002.
The purpose of the audit is to make the telecom infrastructure sustainable and ensure cybersecurity for consumers.
The PTA states that this audit is conducted by third-party auditors to maintain transparency and adhere to international standards. The audit does not examine licensed employees. We are committed to providing users with a secure digital experience and ensuring the security of the sector.
The security audit aims to ensure cybersecurity for consumers, says PTA.
Read more: Slow internet to plague Pakistan for weeks to come
