Authorities in Doda district, Jammu and Kashmir, imposed a two-month ban on Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) starting September 5, 2026, under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023. The order prohibits individuals, institutions, cyber cafes, businesses, and internet service providers from using VPNs without explicit government authorization, with violators facing prosecution, according to medianama.com.
The ban was issued by Doda District Magistrate Krishan Lal, citing misuse of VPNs by "certain individuals and groups" to bypass lawful cyber restrictions and access prohibited digital content, which the order claims threatens public tranquility and national security. Enforcement responsibility lies with the Senior Superintendent of Police, Doda. This follows a similar two-month ban imposed in May 2025 after the Pahalgam terror attack and extensions of Section 163 orders to other J&K districts in late 2025.
The repeated use of Section 163, which replaced Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, to impose VPN bans across Jammu and Kashmir reflects ongoing concerns over digital security and control of internet access in the region. Legal experts have questioned the broad application of this provision beyond its original intent. Similar restrictions have been seen in districts including Shopian, Kupwara, Kulgam, Pulwama, and Rajouri, highlighting a pattern of regulatory measures targeting VPN usage in J&K.
The latest order in Doda district took effect on September 5, 2026, with authorities emphasizing strict enforcement. This marks the continuation of a regulatory approach that began in May 2025, aimed at curbing unauthorized internet access through VPNs in Jammu and Kashmir.