Taliban Implements Nationwide Social Media Restrictions: Instagram, Facebook and X Blocked in Afghanistan

The Taliban has implemented new restrictions on social media, blocking access to popular platforms including Instagram, Facebook, and X throughout Afghanistan, just one week after imposing a two-day internet blackout.

NetBlocks, an internet monitoring organization, has verified the social media ban, noting that it represents part of the Taliban's continuing strategy to maintain control over internet access in the country.

Network data indicates that Afghanistan imposed a third round of internet shutdowns in Kandahar on Tuesday, with limited services only available to certain government institutions.

According to the BBC, Afghanistan's Ministry of Communications and Information Technology confirmed that filters have been applied to restrict specific types of content on social media platforms.

The Taliban is implementing controls on certain posts and social media applications, though they have not provided clear guidelines regarding what content is permitted or prohibited.

Residents of Kabul reported being unable to watch videos on their Facebook accounts, while access to Instagram has been significantly restricted.

A Taliban spokesperson stated, "We hope this time there won't be any full ban on the internet. The filtering is almost applied for the whole county, and most provinces are covered now."

An individual working in a government office in eastern Nangarhar province mentioned that while Facebook remains accessible, viewing images or playing videos is impossible, and internet speeds have dramatically decreased.

Another person in southern Kandahar, a business owner, reported that his fiber-optic internet connection had been disconnected since Tuesday. While mobile data was functioning, Facebook and Instagram were operating extremely slowly.

Last week, the Taliban government shut down the country's telecommunications networks without explanation. Internet services remained unavailable for nearly 48 hours, preventing people from making calls, sending messages, or using online services.

Services were finally restored on October 1.

With a population of approximately 43.8 million, most Afghans depend on internet access for work, education, and communication. Since the Taliban regained power in 2021, the country has experienced increasing restrictions on education and freedom of expression, according to local media reports.