Afghanistan hit by communications blackout after Taliban shuts internet

Afghanistan is currently experiencing a nationwide communications blackout after the Taliban ordered a shutdown of internet and telecom services. This shutdown included cutting off fiber-optic internet connections across the country, reportedly aimed at preventing “immorality” or “vice” according to Taliban officials. The internet connectivity fell to less than 1% of normal levels, resulting in a near-total blackout of telecommunications, including mobile phone services and satellite TV. This is the most extensive such shutdown since the Taliban regained control in August 2021.

The telecom shutdown has severely disrupted essential services including banking, trade, and customs operations as these rely heavily on internet connections. Fiber-optic networks built under previous governments that linked Afghanistan to the global internet infrastructure were cut off gradually during the evening hours before the blackout became complete. The Taliban has not officially commented on the blackout but local officials cited orders from Taliban leadership to enforce the shutdown as part of morality measures.

This move follows earlier provincial bans on fiber-optic services imposed this month across multiple regions. Internet monitoring groups like Netblocks described the event as a comprehensive internet blackout consistent with intentional disconnection by Taliban authorities. Media outlets such as TOLO News reported disruptions to their broadcasts and loss of communication with news bureaus inside Afghanistan, raising concerns over further isolation of the Afghan population from the outside world.