Centre urged the K’taka HC to back stricter regulations for VPN providers, including mandatory compliance officers and enhanced cooperation with law enforcement agencies
The Centre has proposed tighter regulations for Virtual Private Network (VPN) service providers, including mandatory appointment of compliance officers and stricter obligations to ensure adherence to Indian laws.
The proposal, submitted before the Karnataka High Court, is part of the government’s response to petitions challenging certain provisions of the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules. The Centre argued that VPN services play a critical role in digital communications and must be subject to greater accountability to assist law enforcement agencies when required.
According to the government’s submission, VPN providers operating in India should appoint designated compliance officials responsible for ensuring adherence to legal requirements, responding to lawful requests from authorities, and maintaining necessary records.
The Centre maintained that such measures are essential to address cybercrime, online fraud, national security concerns and misuse of anonymous internet services. It argued that platforms offering encrypted or anonymous services should not be exempt from regulatory oversight.
The proposed framework also seeks to ensure that VPN companies establish mechanisms for grievance redressal and cooperate with investigating agencies in accordance with the law. The government said these safeguards are aimed at balancing user privacy with public safety and national security.
The move comes amid the government’s broader efforts to tighten oversight of digital platforms and intermediaries, including messaging services and social media platforms, to improve traceability and accountability in cases involving cyber offences.
The Karnataka High Court is hearing the matter, with the Centre defending the proposed regulatory framework as a necessary step to strengthen cybersecurity and ensure compliance with India’s digital governance laws.
