CII declares VPN usage ‘un-Islamic’

The Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) has deemed the use of virtual private networks (VPNs) as “un-Islamic” (contrary to Sharia).

CII Chairman Allama Dr. Raghib Hussain Naeemi stated on Friday that “the government has the power to restrict access to immoral content and harmful materials from an Islamic viewpoint.”

Globally, VPNs, or Virtual Private Networks, are frequently used to circumvent restrictions and access blocked content. In Pakistan, many individuals use VPNs to visit sites like X and others that are otherwise inaccessible.

CII Chairman Naeemi believes that taking steps to restrict or control access to “unethical and offensive content” aligns with Sharia principles.

The CII commended the enforcement of its recommendations regarding VPN usage. “Employing VPNs to access illegal content or prohibited websites is unlawful according to Islamic law.”

Naeemi further mentioned that it is the government’s “responsibility” to impose limitations on such means that jeopardize societal values and adherence to the law. He emphasized that VPNs are generally used to reach forbidden websites that have been blocked by the government.

When questioned, he explained that VPNs serve as a technical means for users to hide their actual identity and whereabouts. “Under Islamic teachings, the legality of any action is contingent upon its intention and method.”

He noted that VPNs can also facilitate online theft, complicating efforts to identify the offender. The CII chairman stated that utilizing VPNs to access blocked or illegal content “constitutes a breach of both Islamic and societal laws.”