Taliban Orders Nationwide Internet and Mobile Data Shutdown in Afghanistan

Afghanistan has been plunged into near-total digital darkness after the Taliban ordered a shutdown of internet and mobile phone data services across the country, according to diplomatic and industry sources. Monitoring group NetBlocks confirmed that connectivity dropped to around 1%, noting the blackout was implemented in phases, with the final stage affecting both internet and telephone networks.

The Taliban administration has not provided an official explanation, though in recent weeks authorities have restricted fiber-optic links in some provinces citing morality concerns, particularly regarding online pornography. Tolo News reported that authorities set a one-week deadline to shut down all 3G and 4G mobile internet services, leaving only outdated 2G connections active.

The disruption has had widespread consequences. Flights, private banking services, and currency markets have all been impacted, with the central bank reportedly relying on outdated exchange rates. UN officials said the blackout has cut off their ability to communicate with frontline aid workers responding to Afghanistan’s latest earthquake. Arafat Jamal, the UN refugee agency’s country representative, warned the move piles “another crisis on top of the existing crisis” and described it as “utterly unnecessary.”

Ordinary citizens also voiced frustration. Shabeer, an Afghan working at a private internet provider, said his job has been suspended. “No one knows about the condition of their relatives, and even within Afghanistan, we cannot communicate,” he explained.

Human rights activists condemned the blackout as another form of control. Women, already barred from schools, universities, and most jobs, had turned to online opportunities for income. Activist Sanam Kabiri said the Taliban are “using every tool to suppress the people,” with internet restrictions removing one of the last lifelines for Afghan women.

The UN has urged authorities to restore connectivity immediately, warning that the shutdown risks isolating Afghanistan further as it grapples with drought, mass refugee returns, and humanitarian disasters.