Afghanistan lies in near silence online after the Taliban ordered a sweeping shutdown of fibre-optic internet. Local officials say the move aims to stop “immoral activities.” However, mobile internet remains partly active.
The cutoff hit Balkh province first. Then it spread to other northern provinces including Kunduz, Takhar, Badakhshan, Baghlan and Nangarhar. Officials say this is the broadest internet restriction since the Taliban regained power in 2021.
Many homes, businesses, and public institutions lost access to high-speed WiFi due to the fibre-optic cut. They now rely on mobile data, which is slower and more expensive.
Impacts on Daily Life and Rights
Women and girls suffer heavily. They use the internet for education, business, and connecting with others outside their communities. With fibre services offline, many worry about missed opportunities.
Media outlets and human rights groups are sounding alarms. They say the ban restricts freedom of expression and worsens isolation. Economic sectors like trade and services feel the strain too.
The Taliban have not provided a clear end date for the ban. They promise alternative solutions for essential services. Critics say such measures risk deepening social divides. In addition, the shutdown underlines the ongoing tension between government control and citizen rights.
Taliban Orders Internet Ban Across Afghanistan to Enforce Morality
