By PTI
Authorities in Doda here have prohibited the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPN), citing public safety, cybersecurity, and integrity of digital governance in the district, an official spokesperson said on Tuesday. The Doda administration also issued strict prohibitory orders against hate speech, provocative statements and acts that incite violence, he said.
Quoting an order issued by Doda District Magistrate Harvinder Singh, the spokesperson said the authorities have found that certain individuals and groups were misusing the VPNs to circumvent cyber restrictions and access prohibited applications, websites and digital content, jeopardising national security.
Accordingly, in exercise of powers conferred upon him under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), the DM ordered complete prohibition on the use of VPNs, except those explicitly permitted by the government, with immediate effect.
“This order shall apply on all individuals, institutions, cyber cafes and internet service providers (ISP) operating in the district. The SSP Doda shall ensure implementation of this order in letter and spirit,” the spokesperson said.
In another order issued by Doda Additional District Magistrate Anil Kumar Thakur, strict prohibitory orders were issued against hate speech, provocative statements and acts that incite violence.
“No individual, digital platform, representative of community, organization, or group shall deliver, publish, or circulate any hate speech, objectionable remark, or irresponsible statement in public places, through print, websites, electronic media, or on social media platforms,” the order read.
This story was originally published in economictimes.com. Read the full story here.
