Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities have expanded their crackdown on internet access, severing fibre optic connections across several provinces. The move, which officials describe as part of a campaign against “vice,” was ordered by Taliban Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada and has left large parts of the country without high-speed internet access.
This recent action, which began on Wednesday, has already caused significant disruption in multiple regions. In the northern Balkh province, fibre optic internet was completely shut down under the Taliban’s directives. Provincial spokesman Attaullah Zaid confirmed that the measure, which aims to prevent “vice,” would be replaced with alternative connectivity options across the country.
Reports indicate that internet access in Balkh is now limited to the telephone network, which is facing disruptions as well. Other provinces such as Badakhshan, Takhar, Kandahar, Helmand, and Uruzgan have also been affected by similar restrictions. The Ministry of Telecommunications and government representatives have not provided any immediate comment on the matter.
Fibre optic technology is the most commonly used internet infrastructure in Afghanistan. One anonymous private operator in Kabul mentioned that the reasons behind the measure remain unclear, adding that businesses are concerned about the consequences. Atta Mohammed, a marble contractor in Kandahar, voiced his worries about the significant losses his business could face. He explained that delayed responses to clients in Dubai and India could lead to disruptions in operations, stating he had been unable to sleep due to the anxiety this situation has caused.
While the crackdown has not yet reached southeastern Nangarhar, local authorities there anticipate that it will be implemented nationwide in the near future. Provincial spokesperson Qureshi Badloun cited recent studies suggesting that online platforms have been detrimental to Afghanistan’s economic, social, cultural, and religious values, leading to what he described as “moral corruption.”
The Taliban’s current actions contrast with Afghanistan’s past efforts to improve internet infrastructure. In 2024, Kabul highlighted the 9,350-kilometre fibre optic network — primarily built by previous US-backed governments — as a crucial step toward connecting the country to the world and addressing poverty. However, since the Taliban regained control in 2021, a series of restrictions have been enforced, reshaping the country’s digital landscape.
