The Taliban government in Afghanistan has recently enforced a significant nationwide shutdown of telecommunications. This action follows their ongoing efforts to sever fiber-optic internet connections, which they claim is a measure against immorality. Reports from Netblocks indicate that Afghanistan is currently facing a complete connectivity blackout.
International news agency AFP has lost communication with its office in Kabul, where both mobile phone and internet services have been notably disrupted. In addition to this, flights from Kabul airport have experienced interruptions. Residents in Kabul reported that their fiber-optic internet services ceased around 17:00 local time, with many unaware of the full impact until essential services resume the following morning.
The use of fiber-optic cables, vital for fast data transmission and global internet access, has been severely affected. According to Netblocks, the Taliban’s actions are framed as implementing morality measures, resulting in multiple network disconnections. Users in various provinces have been expressing frustrations over slow or completely absent internet connectivity in preceding weeks.
The Taliban had previously announced plans to establish an alternative method for internet access but provided no specifics. Business leaders have cautioned that prolonged restrictions on internet access could adversely affect their operations.
This blackout is part of a broader series of restrictions the Taliban has imposed since regaining power in 2021. Recent actions include the prohibition of books authored by women from university curricula and bans on educational topics concerning human rights. Additionally, women and girls face significant barriers to education, with further training opportunities being curtailed. The Taliban’s return to power was marked by a swift takeover that lasted only 10 days.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cdxqdy5nrlqo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss