Taliban Shuts Down Internet Across Afghanistan as Part of Broader Crackdown

Afghanistan is experiencing a nationwide internet blackout as the Taliban government enforces its restrictions on activities deemed “immoral.” Telecommunications services have been shut down across the country, leading to a complete internet blackout, impacting the entire nation. Netblocks, a global internet watchdog, has verified the disconnection of multiple networks, as well as limitations on telephone services. The blackout has affected all of Afghanistan’s 43 million residents, and this is the first time this has occurred under the current regime. This event poses severe limitations on the public’s ability to contact the outside world. The Taliban has previously expressed concern about online content. This action comes at a critical time, as the country is in desperate need of humanitarian assistance, especially following a recent magnitude-6 earthquake. Reports indicate that the fibre-optic network relied upon for operations will be shut down, and the blackout could last indefinitely.