Taliban Imposes Sweeping Internet Restrictions Across Afghanistan

Nationwide Internet Blackout Precedes New Curbs

Afghanistan has recently experienced a significant escalation in internet censorship, with the Taliban implementing widespread restrictions on online access and social media. These measures follow a 48-hour nationwide internet blackout that occurred from September 29 to October 1, 2025. The blackout, which severed both fiber-optic and mobile internet connections, coincided with a new 'morality drive' initiated by Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada.

Prior to the complete shutdown, the Taliban had already begun imposing restrictions. On September 15, 2025, Akhundzada announced a fiber-optic internet ban across several northern provinces, including Kunduz, Badakhshan, Baghlan, Takhar, and Balkh, citing the need to 'prevent immoral activities.' This ban was gradually extended, with reports of disruptions spreading to southern provinces by September 19.

Social Media Platforms Blocked and Speeds Throttled

Following the restoration of connectivity on October 1, albeit with significantly reduced speeds, the Taliban moved to restrict access to popular social media platforms. Starting around October 7 or 8, 2025, global internet monitor Netblocks confirmed that platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and Snapchat were restricted across multiple providers in Afghanistan. Some reports also indicated that TikTok (which had been banned since 2022) and X (formerly Twitter) were inaccessible without the use of a Virtual Private Network (VPN).

In addition to blocking specific platforms, internet speeds on mobile networks have been significantly degraded, with services reduced from 4G and 3G to 2G, making it nearly impossible to upload photos or even text posts. While the Taliban has confirmed some restrictions, they have not provided comprehensive details on the extent of these measures. The stated justification for these actions remains the curbing of 'immorality' and the prevention of 'moral corruption' stemming from widespread internet and smartphone use among young people.

Widespread Condemnation and Human Rights Concerns

The new internet restrictions have drawn strong condemnation from international bodies. United Nations experts, including the special rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan, Richard Bennett, stated that these measures violate the fundamental rights of Afghans, particularly freedom of expression and access to information. They described the restrictions as part of a 'wider and deliberate strategy to control public discourse and regulate societal conduct.'

The impact on the Afghan population is severe and far-reaching:

• Humanitarian and Economic Crisis: The restrictions exacerbate Afghanistan's already fragile humanitarian and economic situation, hindering aid delivery, healthcare access, and essential services.
• Education: Women and girls are disproportionately affected, as many rely on online platforms for education, remote work, and business opportunities, especially given their exclusion from formal schooling beyond primary levels.
• Isolation: The shutdowns further isolate Afghans from the global community and cut off communication with family members abroad, who often provide crucial financial support through remittances.
• Daily Life Disruption: Users have reported complete outages, significantly slower internet speeds, and the necessity of VPNs to bypass restrictions, disrupting commercial, banking, and governmental services.

UN experts have urged the Taliban authorities to immediately restore full access and refrain from further restrictions that infringe upon civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights.

Taliban's Shifting Stance on Internet Infrastructure

Interestingly, the Taliban had previously touted Afghanistan's 9,350km fiber-optic network as a priority, a network largely built by former US-backed governments. However, they later blamed the initial 48-hour blackout on 'worn-out fibre-optic cables,' despite confirming that they had cut fiber-optic services in several provinces. This shifting narrative underscores the regime's intent to control information flow under the guise of morality.