Afghanistan is currently facing a complete shutdown of its internet and telecommunications services, according to reports from Netblocks, an internet watchdog. This nationwide blackout follows a recent trend where the Taliban has been cutting fiber-optic cables, citing a desire to prevent what they deem “immorality.” International news agency AFP has confirmed losing contact with its Kabul office, and mobile internet and satellite TV services have been severely impacted across the nation.
The Taliban’s return to power in 2021 has seen a series of stringent restrictions implemented, reflecting their interpretation of Islamic Sharia law. This latest move, which began with a stepwise disconnection of networks, has plunged the country into silence.
Many Afghans are expected to feel the full impact of this blackout on Tuesday morning, when essential services like banking and border control are scheduled to resume. Fibre-optic cables are crucial for high-speed data transfer and form the backbone of global internet connectivity.
This internet disruption is the latest in a series of stringent measures imposed by the Taliban. Previously, books by women were removed from university curricula, and teaching of human rights and sexual harassment was outlawed. Furthermore, women and girls face severe restrictions on education and public life. The Taliban, a hardline Islamist group, regained control of Afghanistan in 2021.