J-K: Two FIRs lodged over unauthorised VPN use in Budgam, 11 persons 'bound down'

Srinagar, Jan 3 (PTI) Police have registered two FIRs and initiated "security proceedings" against eleven people in Jammu and Kashmir's Budgam district for not complying with orders prohibiting the use of Virtual Private Network (VPN) in the Union territory for security reasons, an official said on Saturday.

A police spokesman said, to maintain law and order and prevent misuse of digital platforms, Jammu and Kashmir Police have taken action against the unauthorised use of VPN services across Budgam.

He said following prohibitory orders issued by the district administration banning VPN usage, police carried out systematic verification and monitoring in the district.

Between December 29 and January 2, a total of 24 individuals were identified for violating these orders, the spokesman said.

Based on investigation and technical analysis, two FIRs were registered against individuals with adverse terror-related backgrounds, he said, underscoring the security risks posed by misuse of encrypted platforms.

Additionally, security proceedings were initiated against eleven individuals, aged between 18 and 40 years, for non-compliance with the prohibitory orders, he added.

The spokesman said these 11 persons were bound down under sections 126 and 170 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita and later released after due warning. PTI SSB ARB ARB