The Taliban internet ban spreads across Afghanistan as more provinces are shut down

Key Points

• The Taliban has implemented a sweeping ban on fiber-optic internet across Afghanistan, leading to internet shutdowns in multiple provinces like Balkh, Baghlan, and Kunduz.
• This marks the first time since the Taliban regained power in August 2021 that such a comprehensive internet ban has been enforced, affecting both public and private sectors.
• The Afghanistan Media Support Organization has condemned the ban, stating it threatens freedom of expression and access to information for millions of citizens.
• While fiber-optic internet is mostly shut down, mobile internet connections remain functional, with officials seeking alternatives for essential services.

JALALABAD, Afghanistan (AP) — A Taliban crackdown to “prevent immorality” is spreading across Afghanistan, with more provinces losing access to fiber-optic internet after the country's leader imposed a complete ban on the technology.

It’s the first time a ban of this kind has been imposed since the Taliban seized power in August 2021, and leaves government offices, the private sector, public institutions, and homes without Wi-Fi internet. Mobile internet remains functional, however. Officials say alternatives are being found “for necessities.”

The northern Balkh province confirmed a Wi-Fi shutdown on Tuesday, with reports of severe disruption in other parts of the country. On Thursday, officials in the east and north said internet access was cut off in the provinces of Baghlan, Badakhshan, Kunduz, Nangarhar, and Takhar.

Siddiqullah Quraishi, from the Nangarhar Culture Directorate, confirmed the shutdown to The Associated Press. The governor’s office in Kunduz shared a message in an official WhatsApp group.

The Afghanistan Media Support Organization condemned the ban and expressed its concern.

“This action, carried out on the orders of the Taliban’s leader, not only disrupts millions of citizens’ access to free information and essential services but also poses a grave threat to freedom of expression and the work of the media," it said.

Last year, a spokesman for the Communications Ministry, Enayatullah Alokozai, told the private TV channel TOLO News that Afghanistan had a fiber-optic network of more than 1,800 kilometers (1,125 miles) and that approval had been given for an additional 488 kilometers (305 miles).

Most Afghan provinces have had fiber-optic services until now.