On September 15, 2025, Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada ordered the shutdown of fiber-optic internet across Afghanistan, beginning the next day in Balkh province. Officials defended the decision as a step to curb “immorality,” but Afghans fear this could lead to a nationwide blackout.Afghanistan once had one of the region’s most dynamic media landscapes. After 2001, more than 600 outlets operated across the country, supported by constitutional protections such as Article 34, which declared: “Freedom of expression shall be inviolable. Every Afghan shall have the right to express thoughts through speech, writing, illustrations as well as other means in accordance with provisions of this constitution.” By 2022, nearly 9.2 million Afghans accessed the internet, with young people using social media to criticize local authorities and publish independent commentary.These freedoms have been dismantled since the Taliban’s return in 2021. Over 400 outlets shut down, women were banned from working, and media content now requires Taliban approval. Restrictions have extended beyond the media , closing schools and universities for women, banning female employment, and prohibiting women from leaving home without a male guardian.The internet ban is especially devastating for Afghan women and girls who depend on online platforms for education, income, and advocacy. From remote university courses to online businesses, connectivity offered a lifeline that is now under threat. International initiatives, such as India’s 1,000 online scholarships for Afghan students, may also collapse under a total blackout.Meanwhile, the Taliban arrest local journalists and activists while maintaining verified accounts on Facebook and X to spread propaganda. They also invite foreign influencers to portray a positive image abroad, raising stark questions: why block Afghans’ access while exploiting the same platforms for global narratives?The move underscores the Taliban’s ongoing hostility toward free expression, silencing Afghan voices while amplifying their own.
Meta Title: Taliban Internet Ban in Afghanistan Threatens Women, Journalists, and Students
Key Phrase: Taliban internet ban in Afghanistan
Meta Description: Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada has ordered a fiber-optic internet shutdown in Afghanistan, starting in Balkh province. The ban threatens education, media freedom, and women’s rights, raising fears of a nationwide blackout while the Taliban continue using social media for global propaganda.
Taliban Shuts Down Internet in Afghanistan to Silence Voices
