India’s VPN ban in Kashmir ‘adds to psychological pressure’, say residents

Al JazeeraCenterEN 7 min read 100% complete by Al Jazeera StaffJanuary 12, 2026 at 10:11 AM

AI Summary

long article 7 min

In December 2025, the Indian government imposed a two-month ban on VPNs in Indian-administered Kashmir, citing threats to national security and potential misuse to incite unrest. The government stated that VPNs could be exploited for unlawful activities, spreading misinformation, and bypassing security measures. The ban raises concerns for Kashmiri residents, particularly IT professionals like Basit Banday, who rely on VPNs for secure data handling and work responsibilities. The ban could force some to relocate for work, adding to the psychological pressure already felt by residents in the disputed region. The order, issued by district administrators, claims VPNs expose sensitive information to cyber threats.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Al Jazeera 30% Reuters 30% Pulwama district 40% Srinagar 40% Pune ×260% Basit Banday ×270% Indian Government ×280% India ×490% Kashmir ×795%

Keywords

vpn ban 100% kashmir 90% national security 70% internet shutdown 60% virtual private network 60% data privacy 50% cybersecurity 50% internet access 40%