Authorities impose 2-month VPN ban in Jammu and Kashmir in response to suspicious online activity

Striking black and red image of a hand holding phone, covered in barbed wire — (Image credit: Getty Images)

Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir have imposed a two-month VPN ban in the region. People can be prosecuted for using the best VPNs and there have been reports of law enforcement carrying inspections of mobile phones for VPN apps.

Jammu and Kashmir is administered by India, and VPNs have been banned under Section 163 of India's criminal procedure code, with the order invoked on December 29, 2025. Despite being a two-month ban, there is a possibility the restrictions may be extended.

A ban to combat suspicious online activity

According to reports, Indian authorities have banned the VPNs in response to a "surge in suspicious online activity."

Only VPNs permitted by the government can be used, with the administration noting VPNs can be "exploited for unlawful and anti-national activities."

Law enforcement have been reportedly checking the mobile phones of individuals and videos of this seemingly taking place have been posted on Reddit.

Proton VPN General Manager, David Peterson, corroborated these claims. In a tweet he said: "In Jammu and Kashmir, police have been conducting random stops and house-to-house checks inspecting mobile phones to enforce a local ban on VPNs."

Peterson highlighted the discreet icon feature available on the provider's Android VPN app. This allows users of both its paid plan and Proton VPN Free to disguise the app.

Screenshot of Proton VPN's discreet icon feature on Android — (Image credit: Proton VPN / Future)

To enable discreet icon in Proton VPN, navigate to Proton VPN's Settings tab, then App icon. Select one of the three options – Weather, Notes, or Calculator – and click Change icon.

You can also disable most, but not all, notifications for the Proton VPN app. To do this head to your phone's settings. Click Apps → Proton VPN → Privacy → Notifications. You can then toggle Allow notifications on and off.

This won't disable every trace of Proton VPN from your device – you'll still see a "VPN Connected" icon when you're connected to Proton VPN. If you suspect your phone may be searched, ensure you've disconnected from Proton VPN.

Despite the ban, the best India VPNs should still work in the country. However, if you're in a region where you may be prosecuted for using one, exercise caution.

Internet censorship in the region isn't new

Internet restrictions took place in Kashmir in 2019, and in 2020, police began taking action against VPN users.

In India, VPNs aren't illegal. However, all providers with physical servers in the country were required to log, store, and share information about VPN users following the passing of controversial data laws in 2022.

As a result, most major VPNs withdrew from the country and only virtual servers are offered. There have also been instances of VPNs being removed from the Apple App and Google Play stores.

According to the Surfshark Internet Tracker, India has restricted the internet 160 times since 2015 – with the average duration being 24.6 days. Social media has been disrupted three times in the past, but no apps are currently being restricted.

Screenshot of India's internet restrictions since 2015, recorded by the Surfshark Internet Tracker — (Image credit: Surfshark Internet Tracker / Future)

Speaking to TechRadar, Raman Jit Singh Chima, Senior International Counsel and Asia Pacific Policy Director at Access Now, warned the ban may be extended. Chima said that you typically can't "issue blanket continuous prohibitory orders" and the time limit could simply be a formality.

Internet restrictions have already hit the continent of Asia hard in 2026. Surprise VPN blocks took place in Pakistan and Iran is experiencing a total internet shutdown. With the year only just beginning, more restrictions are sadly expected. It's vital all forms of internet restrictions are opposed, and free and open internet access is seen as a right.

Disclaimer

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

George is a Staff Writer at Tom's Guide, covering VPN, privacy, and cybersecurity news. He is especially interested in digital rights and censorship, and its interplay with politics. Outside of work, George is passionate about music, Star Wars, and Karate.

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