VPN (Virtual Private Network services) could be in danger in India as the Parliamentary Standing Committee On Home Affairs is looking to ban them on the grounds of being a threat to counter cyber threats and other illegal activities.
The committee has highlighted that VPN apps and tools are easily available online that allow criminals to remain anonymous online, thus seeking a ban for its use.
The report further reveals that the committee recommends permanently blocking VPN services in the country with the help of internet service providers in India. The committee has asked the Ministry of Home Affairs to coordinate with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology to identify and permanently block VPNs.
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It has also asked the Ministry to take initiatives to strengthen the tracking and surveillance mechanisms by improving and developing advanced technologies to scrutinize the use of VPN and the dark web in India.
What does VPN actually do?
VPN (also known as Virtual Private Network) creates a secure connection between you and the internet service provider where your traffic gets routed through an encrypted channel. It hides your IP address and does not allow any app to see its real location.
Essentially, VPN apps allow users to simulate their network to a different geographical location while hiding their identity. Basically, even though you’re in India, using VPN you can fool the website into knowing that you’re actually from the US, allowing you to see content that would otherwise only be permitted in that territory.
VPN boosts online security
VPN isn’t just used for watching content from a different nation or to fool ad trackers, it also has security features. Many companies in India and around the world use VPN to secure their networks and digital assets from hackers. These networks came in handy during work-from-home conditions during lockdown when employees used unsecured home internet for conducting business.
VPN indeed acts as an invisibility cloak, allowing online users to be anonymous, however, its benefits for securing an unauthorized network also needs to be taken into consideration.
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