Taliban Enforces Nationwide Internet Blackout in Afghanistan

Afghanistan is experiencing a nationwide internet blackout following the Taliban's directive to sever fiber-optic connections across multiple provinces. This move, aimed at preventing "immoral activities," has led to a significant disruption in communication and daily life.

The cybersecurity watchdog NetBlocks reported that as of Monday, internet connectivity in Afghanistan had collapsed to 14% of normal levels, indicating a near-total nationwide telecoms disruption.

Earlier this month, Taliban leader Haibatullah Akhundzada issued a decree banning fiber-optic services in several provinces to curb what the group deems immoral content.

The Taliban has not formally acknowledged the shutdown. However, Haji Zahid, a local Taliban spokesperson in Balkh province, stated that the ban was ordered by their leader to prevent "immoral activities."

The internet blackout has severely impacted various sectors, including businesses, education, and media. Afghan television channel TOLO reported that its broadcast had been disrupted due to the communications crackdown.

Critics argue that the shutdown is a tactic to exert greater control and reflects the Taliban's anti-modern ideology.

The U.S. and most other Western nations have refused to recognize the Taliban as Afghanistan's legitimate government since it retook control in 2021.

The country faces one of the world's worst humanitarian crises, exacerbated by donor governments' aid cuts and the return of 1.9 million refugees expelled from Iran and Pakistan.

Torek Farhadi, a former senior advisor to the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, commented on the situation, stating that the lack of internet access will be devastating for ordinary people in Afghanistan.