Afghanistan’s ruling Taliban has imposed a sweeping ban on fibre optic internet services, beginning in Balkh province earlier this week, with reports of shutdowns spreading rapidly to other regions. By Thursday, disruptions were confirmed in at least ten provinces, including Baghlan, Badakhshan, Takhar, Kunduz, and Nangarhar, according to Reuters.
An official statement quoted by Afghanistan International confirmed that the order, described as “irreversible,” will be enforced nationwide. The Taliban claims the measure is intended to “prevent immorality.” This marks the first such ban since the group seized power in August 2021 and affects households, businesses, government offices, and public institutions that rely on fixed internet services.
While mobile internet remains available, it is often slow and prohibitively expensive, leaving many Afghans with limited or unreliable connectivity. Officials have suggested that alternatives will be explored for essential services, though details remain unclear.
The Afghanistan Media Support Organisation condemned the move, warning it disrupts millions of citizens’ access to information, education, and media, while also endangering freedom of expression. Analysts note that the ban threatens businesses and education, particularly for women and girls, who have used fixed internet for remote learning.
The policy represents a dramatic reversal from last year, when Afghanistan’s Communications Ministry touted expansion of the national fibre optic network, boasting over 1,800 kilometres already in place and approval for hundreds more.
