Taliban imposes nationwide internet blackout in Afghanistan

The Taliban has suspended internet services across Afghanistan, cutting off millions from the outside world in the country’s first nationwide digital blackout since the group took power.

The shutdown began Monday following a decree by Taliban supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada, who earlier this month ordered a “complete internet ban” to curb what he called online “immorality.”

Mobile and broadband services were cut, satellite television broadcasts disrupted, and even airport operations affected. Flight-tracking service Flightradar24 reported that at least five flights scheduled to and from Kabul were cancelled on Tuesday. Hospitals, schools, and government offices also reported disruptions.

Independent media outlets, including Kabul-based Tolo News and London-based Afghanistan International, were unable to broadcast via satellite. The Associated Press said it lost contact with its bureau in Kabul, while attempts to reach Afghan contacts through WhatsApp and Telegram failed.

NetBlocks, a global internet watchdog, confirmed Afghanistan was experiencing a “total internet blackout,” with connectivity plunging to 14 percent. Telephone services were also disrupted.

“This measure was taken to prevent immorality and an alternative will be built within the country for necessities,” said Haji Attaullah Zaid, a provincial spokesperson, earlier this month when the restrictions first began in smaller provinces like Balkh.

Critics, however, argue the move is designed to control the flow of information. Afghan journalist Mahbob Shah Mahbob said the Taliban fears outside scrutiny of its rule: “They’re also concerned about how their extremist rule inside Afghanistan is being perceived by the outside world and the bad publicity.”

Rights groups warned of severe consequences. “The Taliban’s internet ban is dragging Afghanistan into the abyss,” said Habib Khan, founder of Afghan Peace Watch. “A pariah regime has severed 40 million lives from the world, with catastrophic consequences, crushing daily life, and suffocating women most of all.”

Taliban officials have not announced how long the ban will remain in place.