DODA, Sept. 7 -- Authorities in Doda ordered a complete ban on the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) across the district for two months, citing concerns over cybersecurity, unlawful activities and maintaining public order.

In an order issued recently under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), Doda District Magistrate Krishan Lal said certain individuals and groups were allegedly misusing VPNs to circumvent lawful cyber restrictions and access prohibited applications, websites and digital content.

"Such activities have the potential to be exploited for unlawful and anti-national purposes, including inciting unrest, disseminating inflammatory material and coordinating activities prejudicial to the maintenance o...