First Nationwide Cut Since 2021 Takeover
Afghanistan was largely cut off from the internet on Monday after reports emerged of a Taliban-ordered nationwide fiber-optic shutdown. According to local media, the move follows a decree issued earlier this month by Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada, who banned fiber-optic services as part of efforts to curb what he described as “immorality.”
This marks the first blackout of its kind since the Taliban returned to power in August 2021, signaling a dramatic escalation in the group’s control over information flows within the country.
Connectivity Collapse Confirmed by Netblocks
The internet advocacy group Netblocks reported that live traffic data showed connectivity collapsed to just 14% of normal levels, with widespread disruption across nearly all provinces.
“The incident is likely to severely limit the public’s ability to contact the outside world,” the group warned, highlighting the isolation that millions of Afghans could now face.
The blackout left major Afghan media organizations—including the Associated Press bureau in Kabul—unable to reach reporters in eastern and southern regions such as Nangarhar and Helmand.
Lack of Official Confirmation
Despite the apparent scope of the shutdown, the Taliban government has yet to issue an official confirmation. This silence is notable given that Taliban authorities themselves depend heavily on messaging apps and social media for both domestic propaganda and international communication.
The private broadcaster TOLO News cited sources saying that fiber-optic connections were being systematically cut, starting Monday, across the country. If sustained, the blackout could affect everything from banking and commerce to humanitarian aid coordination.
Impact on Afghan Society
The move risks further isolating Afghanistan at a time when the country already faces economic collapse, food insecurity, and limited international recognition. Access to the internet has been vital for education, trade, and maintaining ties to the Afghan diaspora.
Shutting down connectivity under the justification of preventing “immorality” reflects a broader Taliban push to impose strict social controls. Observers warn that this blackout may set a precedent for long-term digital censorship in one of the world’s most fragile states.
As of late Monday, connectivity remained severely limited, with Afghans across the country struggling to access even basic communication tools.