TCRA: “VPN use not restricted but …”

DAR ES SALAAM: Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) has said that its statement issued recently has not restricted the use of VPN, as some people chaim through various social media platforms.

VPN, which stands for “Virtual Private Network”, gives users an opportunity to establish own protected network connection when using public networks.

TCRA’s Head of Communications and Public Relations Unit, Rolf Kibaja issued a statement over the matter on Sunday as the Authority joins other communication institutions in the world to celebrate ‘online security month.’

According to him, the recently issued statement was instructing users to inform the regulator when they are using the application.

“TCRA has provided a mechanism for VPN users to report and has not restricted the uses of VPN,’ he insists.

He added: ” It is important for VPN users to provide information because registering a VPN service is like registering a phone number.”

He cited other developed countries are using the same measures which aim at strengthening online security.

Those countries, according to Mr Kibaja, are Turkey, India, Belarus, Egypt, China, just to mention.

It is important to understand that the use of VPN in the country is not prohibited but given an official procedure,” Kibaha explained.

Kibaja added users are not required to pay anything for reporting VPN use as he assured the move has nothing to do with interference of privacy or security to users.

“TCRA continues to carry out its responsibilities including ensuring security in the internet while keeping internet users safe. Thank you very much…,” he concluded