Restrictions on social media content have been implemented in Afghanistan, according to sources from the Taliban government. Filters have been applied on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and X, as reported by officials from the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology. The exact nature of the content that is being filtered remains unclear, though some users in Kabul have noted that certain videos on Facebook are now inaccessible and that access to Instagram has been limited.
These developments follow a two-day internet and telecommunications blackout that recently disrupted services nationwide. The blackout had widespread consequences, affecting businesses, flights, and access to emergency services, and raised concerns about the increased isolation of women and girls, whose rights have faced significant restrictions since the Taliban regained control in 2021.
Reports indicate that social media users across various provinces have been experiencing limited access since Tuesday. A Taliban source confirmed that some controls have been enacted to restrict specific content, stating that the filtering affects most provinces in the country. However, there has been no formal explanation provided by Taliban officials regarding the restrictions.
The cybersecurity organization NetBlocks noted that these restrictions are confirmed on multiple service providers, suggesting a systematic approach to limiting access. Some users have reported sporadic access to social media on smartphones, but many have encountered difficulties such as slow internet speeds and the inability to view pictures or videos.
Last week, the Taliban did not clarify the reasons behind the total internet shutdown, although a regional official previously indicated that such measures were taken to prevent what they termed “vices.” Since taking power, the Taliban has enforced numerous restrictions in alignment with their interpretation of Islamic Sharia law, impacting education and employment opportunities, particularly for women. Many Afghan women have described the internet as a crucial link to the outside world, especially following bans on education for girls over the age of 12.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cgrq8d0jpdwo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss