Afghanistan Under Digital Blackout: Taliban Restricts Internet Access Nationwide
Afghanistan is experiencing a near-total internet and mobile network shutdown as of Tuesday, following an order from the Taliban government. The move, impacting millions, has sparked concerns about the country's economy, access to education, and communication with the outside world. The Taliban has not issued an immediate explanation, but sources indicate it's part of a crackdown on what they deem "immoral activities" online.
The Scope of the Shutdown
The internet blackout began on Monday, with NetBlocks reporting connectivity plummeting to less than 1% of normal levels. Mobile networks relying on the same infrastructure are also significantly disrupted. ToloNews reported that only 2G networks are operational, limiting data capabilities. Reports from Cloudflare Radar indicate the disruption is most severe in Kabul, Herat, and Kandahar.
Taliban's Justification and Previous Actions
Earlier this month, Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada ordered limited internet shutdowns in several provinces, citing a desire to prevent "immorality." Prior to the nationwide blackout, a Taliban official told AFP that thousands of communication sites would be taken offline "until further notice," acknowledging the potential economic consequences, including disruptions to banking services. The Taliban banned fibre-optic internet in the northern province of Balkh for similar reasons.
Consequences for the Afghan People
The shutdown has triggered widespread panic and concern among Afghans. Najibullah, a Kabul shopkeeper, told AFP, "We are blind without phones and the internet." The blackout is expected to severely impact e-commerce, banking, healthcare, and education. Many Afghan women and girls, already restricted from traditional schooling, rely on the internet for education, a lifeline now threatened. The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has called for the immediate restoration of internet access, citing the risk of "significant harm on the Afghan people."
International Reactions and Concerns
International media organizations, including The Associated Press (AP) and AFP, report losing contact with their bureaus in Kabul. CNN reports Afghans abroad are unable to reach family members inside the country. The international community is expressing alarm, highlighting the potential for further isolation and the exacerbation of Afghanistan's existing humanitarian crisis. Rights groups are condemning the shutdown as a means of suppressing the population and restricting access to information.
Impact on Specific Sectors
- Flights: Several flights to and from Kabul International Airport have been canceled or marked as "unknown," according to Flightradar24.
- E-commerce: Platforms like Aseel, which supports Afghan artisans, primarily women, will be severely affected.
- Financial Services: Diplomatic officials warn that banking systems across the country could be affected.
- Education: Online classes, a vital resource for Afghan women and girls, are now jeopardized.
Expert Opinions and Analysis
Human Rights Watch researcher Fereshta Abbasi stated that cutting off internet access deprives millions of Afghans of their livelihoods and fundamental rights. Torek Farhadi, a former senior advisor to the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, told CBS News that the shutdown would be devastating for ordinary people, especially the youth, effectively closing the door on online education and crippling business owners. Sanam Kabiri, a women’s rights activist, said: "The Taliban are using every tool at their disposal to suppress the people."
Possible Future Scenarios
Some reports suggest the Taliban may restrict mobile internet access to a slow-speed 2G network, making it difficult to send anything other than text. Doug Madory, a network analyst at Kentik Network Intelligence, told DW that this would be "without precedent". The long-term impact of the shutdown remains uncertain, but analysts fear it will further isolate Afghanistan and exacerbate the country's numerous challenges.
