Afghanistan's Internet Blackout: A Nation Disconnected
In late September 2025, Afghanistan experienced a nationwide internet and mobile service blackout, plunging its 43 million citizens into digital darkness. The Taliban, who regained control in 2021, ordered the shutdown, citing the need to prevent "immoral activities," raising concerns about a return to stricter regulations and further isolating the country.
The Timeline and Impact of the Shutdown
The disruption began in mid-September with restrictions on fiber-optic services in northern provinces, spreading nationwide by late September. On Monday, September 29th, connectivity plummeted to less than 1% of normal levels. The consequences were immediate and far-reaching, impacting daily life, businesses, and humanitarian efforts.
- Communication Disrupted: Afghans were unable to contact family members at home or abroad.
- Economic Paralysis: Banks froze, flights were canceled, and businesses struggled to operate.
- Humanitarian Crisis: Aid organizations faced challenges in delivering assistance to those in need.
Taliban's Rationale and International Response
The Taliban's supreme leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada, reportedly ordered the blackout, claiming it was necessary to prevent "vice." However, critics argue that it's a move to control information and suppress dissent. The international community, including the United Nations, has condemned the shutdown and urged the Taliban to restore access immediately.
"The cut in access has left Afghanistan almost completely cut off from the outside world, and risks inflicting significant harm on the Afghan people, including by threatening economic stability and exacerbating one of the world's worst humanitarian crises." - United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA)
The Human Cost of Digital Isolation
The internet has become a vital tool for education, business, and communication in Afghanistan, particularly for women and girls who face restrictions on their freedom. The blackout has cut off access to online classes, disrupted livelihoods, and deepened the sense of isolation. Many Afghans expressed fear of a return to the Taliban's previous rule when access to information was severely limited.
The internet shutdown had a devastating impact on ordinary citizens. Some individuals described feeling "blind" without internet and phones. One man stated that he spent hours in a taxi just to find out the currency rates so he could operate his business.
Alternative Communication and Circumvention Efforts
Despite the blackout, some Afghans managed to communicate through satellite phones and services like Starlink, although access remained limited and risky. Others sought connections near the border with Pakistan. Activists and members of the Afghan diaspora called for greater access to satellite internet to bypass Taliban censorship.
| Impact Area | Details of Impact |
|---|---|
| Communication | Severely restricted, cutting off families and businesses. |
| Economy | Paralyzed banking, disrupted trade, halted online payments. |
| Education | Cut off access to online classes, impacting women and girls disproportionately. |
| Humanitarian Aid | Hindered delivery and coordination of aid efforts. |
Long-Term Implications and the Future of Connectivity
The internet blackout in Afghanistan highlights the fragility of digital access and the importance of safeguarding freedom of expression. The Taliban's actions raise concerns about the future of connectivity and its impact on the country's development and integration with the global community. The shutdown is seen as a major step backwards by many who relied on the internet for their livelihoods, education, and connections to the outside world.
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