Afghanistan Faces Panic as Taliban Enforces Total Internet Blackout to Curb Immoral Activities
Attractive Title: Afghanistan’s Sweeping Internet Blackout: Taliban’s Crackdown on Connectivity Sparks Global Concern
Afghanistan experienced a severe internet blackout on Tuesday, following the Taliban’s declaration to cut off access in an effort to curb “immoral activities.” This move threatens to further isolate millions living under the regime’s increasingly severe rule.
Widespread Communication Disruption Uncovered
Internet watchdog Netblocks reported that numerous networks in Afghanistan faced disconnection on Monday, with telephone services also affected, resulting in a “total internet blackout” impacting the nation of 43 million. Many Afghans abroad were unable to contact family members, while flight data indicated the cancellation of several incoming flights to Kabul.
Residents like Mohammad Hadi, an Afghan living in Delhi, expressed their distress over the loss of communication. “There is no means to talk, to be sure that they are safe or not,” said Hadi, highlighting the panic among the Afghan diaspora. This shutdown severely affected media outlets like Kabul-based Tolo News TV and posed challenges for international news agencies unable to reach their Kabul bureaus.
Taliban’s Justification and Lack of Clarity
The blackout represents the most expansive telecom disruptions in Afghanistan since the Taliban regained power in 2021. Despite attempts to reach Taliban officials, no official statement was released regarding the cause and extent of the shutdown. Earlier, Taliban officials had warned of internet cutoff to prevent unspecified “immoral activities,” with an alternative system for essential needs promised by Balkh province governor, Haji Zaid.
Humanitarian and Educational Impact
The blackout has significant implications considering Afghanistan’s ongoing humanitarian crisis, intensified since the Taliban’s takeover. With a ban on girls attending school beyond the sixth grade, many relied on online classes facilitated by international educators and organizations. The loss of internet access jeopardizes these educational opportunities.
Sabena Chaudhry from Women for Afghan Women emphasized the blackout’s impact: “It is not only silencing millions of Afghans but also extinguishing their lifeline to connect with the outside world.” Afghans working with international organizations now face communication blackouts, increasing fear and isolation.
International Pleas and Future Connectivity
The UN and activists have denounced the Taliban’s growing human rights restrictions. Former Afghan government member Mariam Solaimankhil, writing on social media, highlighted the silence imposed by this blackout. She urged tech companies like Starlink to help break censorship chains. As of now, Starlink is unavailable in Afghanistan, as stated on the company’s website.
The effects of this internet blackout remain uncertain, but the global call for reconnection and support for Afghan citizens continues to gain momentum, urging action against the growing isolation under Taliban rule.
