Afghanistan has been plunged into an indefinite nationwide internet blackout following orders from the ruling Taliban authorities. The shutdown involves a complete halt of the country’s fiber optic internet services, affecting all government offices, businesses, institutions, and private households.
The order was issued by Taliban supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada as part of a crackdown aimed at preventing what the regime terms “immoral activities.” The shutdown has led to a dramatic drop in internet connectivity, reportedly reaching as low as 1% of normal levels, according to monitoring group NetBlocks.
The blackout severely disrupts telecommunications, including mobile phone networks and broadcasting services. This is the most comprehensive internet shutdown since the Taliban's return to power in 2021, marking a drastic escalation in restrictions on freedoms and information flow.
The internet shutdown has had devastating consequences, particularly for women and girls who were already barred from accessing schools and relied on internet platforms for education and empowerment. The indefinite nature of the blackout leaves Afghanistan increasingly isolated both internally and from the outside world as global observers and governments express concern over the humanitarian impact.
Despite the severe impact, Taliban officials have not publicly clarified when the blackout might end or the full extent of the communications disruptions.