Afghanistan Faces Total Internet Blackout: Taliban’s Morality Measures Spark Urgent Concerns, Reports CNN

Afghanistan is facing a major internet blackout as the Taliban cuts off access for over 43 million people. This move is part of what the Taliban calls “morality measures,” leaving many citizens isolated from the world.

Internet watchdog group Netblocks reported that multiple networks went down recently, leading to a “total internet blackout.” This blackout is one of the most extensive since the Taliban took control in 2021, raising concerns about further isolating the Afghan population.

In northern Balkh province, the Taliban’s supreme leader, Mawlawi Haibatullah Akhundzada, has ordered a complete ban on fiber-optic cables. The governor of Balkh, Haji Zaid, stated that this measure aims to prevent what they deem “immoral activities.” However, they did not specify what those activities are.

The impact is significant on Afghan media. Tolo News TV and other channels are struggling to operate due to the shutdown. The blackout has alarmed Afghans living abroad and local activists who fear the consequences of this censorship.

Wahida Faizi, an Afghan journalist in Denmark, expressed the emotional toll of losing contact with her family. She stated, “It feels like a lifetime has passed without being able to connect.” Faizi reflected on the small joys of video calls, realizing how precious those moments were.

Activists warn that this blackout could severely harm education for Afghan girls. Since the Taliban banned girls from attending school after grade six, many have relied on online classes offered by external educators. Without access to the internet, these essential educational opportunities are in jeopardy.

Sabena Chaudhry, a communications manager at Women for Afghan Women (WAW), emphasized the dire consequences of this blackout. She noted that it not only silences many Afghans but also cuts off their ties to the outside world. WAW has lost contact with its staff in Afghanistan due to the restrictions.

The historical context also adds depth to this situation. In the past, Afghan citizens relied heavily on internet access for information and communication. The current blackout represents a drastic shift from those times, reflecting a broader trend of increasing authoritarianism under the Taliban regime.

According to a report from Freedom House, internet freedom in Afghanistan was on a decline even before this blackout. The recent shutdown has only intensified fears about the future of free expression in the country.

As the situation evolves, the world watches closely, hoping for a change that would restore connectivity and freedom to the Afghan people.



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