CII declares VPN usage un-Islamic

Chairman of the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) has declared the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) un-Islamic, urging the government to take measures to block access to immoral or blasphemous content.

The statement, issued on Thursday, stated that such actions align with Islamic principles and the moral framework of society.

Dr. Naeemi stated that the use of VPNs to bypass government restrictions on prohibited content is “impermissible in Islamic law.”

He argued that VPN technology, which allows users to conceal their identities and locations, facilitates access to websites blocked by the government and promotes illegal activities, including digital theft, without accountability.

The CII Chairman categorically described VPN usage as “aiding in sinful actions” and called it a violation of both Islamic and societal laws.

“VPN technology allows users to conceal their true identities and locations, often granting access to government-blocked websites,” Dr. Naeemi explained.

He stressed that in Islamic law, the permissibility of an action depends on both its purpose and its method.

Dr. Naeemi further noted that actions that enable illegal or unethical behavior, such as accessing restricted websites, are forbidden under Sharia law.

The CII Chairman also referenced the council’s previous recommendations regarding VPN usage, urging the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to take swift action in blocking VPNs that facilitate the access of harmful or immoral content.

Dr. Naeemi reaffirmed the CII’s stance from a May 3, 2023 meeting, where the council addressed concerns regarding the misuse of social media.

He reiterated the need for prompt regulation of online platforms and the enforcement of stricter controls on VPNs to mitigate their potential misuse.