Nationwide Internet Blackout in Afghanistan
Afghanistan is experiencing a complete nationwide internet blackout following a telecommunications ban imposed by the Taliban government. According to internet monitoring organization Netblocks, all fiber optic internet services have been cut across the country, marking the most extensive internet shutdown since the Taliban regained power in 2021.
Complete Communications Collapse
The BBC reports that mobile internet and satellite television services have also been severely disrupted. Residents in Kabul reported their fiber optic internet connections failing at the end of the day yesterday, with multiple flights from Kabul International Airport being canceled according to Flightradar data.
Religious Justification for the Ban
The telecommunications ban follows a national decree issued earlier this month by Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada, who ordered the service to be prohibited "to prevent immorality." This represents a significant escalation in the Taliban's efforts to control information flow within the country.
Impact on Women and Education
The internet shutdown disproportionately affects Afghan women, who have been using online resources to continue their education following the Taliban's ban on female education beyond primary school. "This is another devastating blow to women's rights and education in Afghanistan," said an anonymous women's rights activist. "The internet was our last remaining connection to the outside world and educational opportunities."
Historical Context of Internet Restrictions
This isn't the first time Afghanistan has faced internet restrictions. During the Taliban's previous rule in the 1990s, the country was almost completely offline due to war and later banned from the internet entirely. However, after the Taliban regained control in 2021, they initially allowed internet access while banning specific applications like TikTok.
Broader Restrictions Under Taliban Rule
The telecommunications ban is part of a broader pattern of restrictions imposed by the Taliban since their 2021 takeover. The regime has justified these measures as necessary because many practices are "contrary to sharia and Taliban policy." Women's rights have been particularly affected, with women prohibited from using public transportation or driving cars without a male relative present.
The complete internet blackout represents a significant escalation in the Taliban's control over information and communication within Afghanistan, raising concerns about further isolation of the country from the global community.