New Delhi, Dec. 31 -- Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir's several districts have suspended the use of Virtual Private Network (VPN) services until further orders, over security considerations.

Deputy commissioners of districts have directed the suspension of VPN services with immediate effect in the interest of maintaining public order and ensuring security.

The suspension started with Shopian and Kulgam districts in South Kashmir on Monday. Kupwara in north Kashmir also imposed the ban on the use of VPN.

Shrikant Balasaheb Suse, District Magistrate Kupwara, has referred to communications received from the police about a surge in the use of VPNs by a significant number of suspicious Internet users in the district.

"Whereas the VPN serv...