Total Internet Blackout in Afghanistan: Taliban Enforces Nationwide Ban to Combat "Immorality"

Afghanistan is currently experiencing a complete internet blackout, according to reports from internet monitoring organizations.

In Kabul, a total internet shutdown occurred on Monday, with local media suggesting this nationwide disruption of fiber-optic services is part of the Taliban's intensified campaign against what they deem as immoral content.

This represents the first comprehensive internet shutdown in Afghanistan since the Taliban regained control in August 2021.

Earlier this month, connectivity was already disrupted in several provinces after Taliban supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada issued an official decree banning fiber-optic services, citing the prevention of immoral activities as justification.

On Monday, Netblocks, an organization advocating for internet access, reported that their real-time metrics indicated Afghanistan's connectivity had "collapsed" to merely 14% of normal levels, effectively implementing a near-total nationwide telecommunications disruption.

"The incident is likely to severely limit the public's ability to contact the outside world," the monitoring group further stated.

The Associated Press reported being unable to establish contact with their Kabul bureau or with journalists located in the eastern province of Nangarhar and southern province of Helmand. The Taliban government, which heavily relies on messaging applications and social media platforms for both external communications and internal coordination, has not issued any official confirmation regarding the blackout.

TOLO News TV, a private Afghan news channel, reported that according to their sources, fiber-optic internet services could be suspended throughout the entire country beginning Monday.