Afghanistan Vanishes Offline: The Impact of the Taliban’s Internet Shutdowns

economy, and access to vital services after a sudden decision by the Taliban.">

News">
October 1, 2025

Afghanistan Plunged into Total Digital Darkness: Internet Blackout Sparks Fears of Isolation

kabul, Afghanistan – A sweeping internet blackout has engulfed Afghanistan, severing the nation’s connection to the outside world. The disruption, which began on monday, has reduced connectivity to just 14% of normal levels, marking the first time since 2021 that the country has been so thoroughly isolated.

Sudden Disruption and Growing concerns

Internet watchdog groups such as Telecomtalk and NetBlocks first reported the drastic decline in connectivity. This action follows earlier restrictions imposed on September 22nd, targeting fibre-optic services in the northern regions of Afghanistan. The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has urgently appealed to the Taliban to immediately restore internet access, warning of a deepening humanitarian crisis.

Mazar-i-Sharif on September 16, 2025, following the Taliban’s ban on fibre-optic internet in Balkh province. (Illustrative Image)

Impact on daily Life and Essential Services

The blackout has triggered widespread panic among Afghans both within the country and abroad. Families have been abruptly cut off from one another, and the disruption extends far beyond personal communication. Several flights inbound to Kabul were cancelled on Tuesday, indicating the impact on aviation and transport. The Taliban’s vague justification – “until further notice” – echoes previous suspensions of girls’ education, raising fears of prolonged restrictions.

For many Afghan girls, online learning had become a crucial lifeline. Now,this avenue for education is closed. Furthermore, the Taliban themselves rely heavily on digital platforms, such as WhatsApp, for government operations, creating a stark contradiction.

A Return to Past restrictions?

The current situation evokes memories of the Taliban’s earlier rule in the late 1990s, when international communication was severely limited. At that time, even making a phone call outside of Afghanistan required travel to neighboring Pakistan. Concerns are mounting that the current blackout signals a return to such restrictive policies, perhaps prohibiting television, satellite dishes, and other forms of mass communication.

Economic Repercussions of the internet Shutdown

A complete internet blackout carries critically important economic consequences. Smartphone penetration in Afghanistan has been rising,with 18% of the population accessing the internet and 56 mobile subscriptions per 100 people as of 2023,according to the World Bank. The shutdown impacts online businesses, remittance flows, and access to essential services like healthcare and trade.

Indicator	Value (2023)
Internet Penetration	18%
Mobile Subscriptions (per 100 people)	56

Did You Know? Remittances from Afghans living abroad are a crucial source of income for many families within the country, and these transfers are now severely disrupted.

Taliban’s Digital Presence and Shifting Ideologies

Despite the restrictions, numerous Taliban-affiliated accounts remain active on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook. This presents a elaborate picture, as some Taliban members openly utilize modern smartphones and digital tools. However, a core principle of strict obedience to leadership remains firmly in place, as emphasized by Taliban Defense Minister Mullah Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid.

International Reactions and Future Outlook

The internet shutdown has sparked alarm among Afghans living abroad, with many expressing their distress online. The timing of the blackout coincides with reports of US President Donald trump’s interest in renegotiating access to Bagram Air Base, leading some to speculate about a potential link between the two events. The long-term implications of this digital isolation remain uncertain, but the immediate consequences are already being felt across Afghanistan.

Pro Tip: When dealing with a crisis situation, prioritize establishing choice communication channels, such as satellite phones or encrypted messaging apps, if feasible.

The Broader Context of Internet Freedom

The situation in Afghanistan underscores the growing importance of internet freedom as a basic human right. according to Freedom House’s Freedom on the Net 2023 report, global internet freedom has been declining for the past several years, with governments increasingly employing censorship and surveillance tactics. This trend poses a threat to democracy, human rights, and economic advancement worldwide.

Frequently asked Questions about the Afghanistan Internet Blackout

• What is causing the internet blackout in Afghanistan? The Taliban has imposed the blackout with limited clarification, citing a need to address unspecified issues.
• How does this internet blackout impact ordinary Afghans? It disrupts communication, access to education, healthcare, financial transactions, and essential services.
• Is the Taliban using the internet itself? Yes, despite the restrictions, the Taliban continues to use platforms like WhatsApp for government operations and maintains a presence on social media.
• What is the international response to the blackout? The United Nations has appealed to the Taliban to restore access, warning of a deepening humanitarian crisis.
• Could this blackout be permanent? while the Taliban has stated the blackout is “until further notice,” there are concerns it could be prolonged or become permanent.

What are your thoughts on the Taliban’s decision to shut down the internet? How do you think this will impact the future of Afghanistan?

How do the Taliban’s internet restrictions specifically impact the delivery of humanitarian aid adn essential services in Afghanistan?

The Escalating Digital Darkness in Afghanistan

Since the Taliban’s resurgence in August 2021, Afghanistan has experienced a dramatic and concerning decline in internet access. What began as sporadic disruptions has evolved into widespread and prolonged internet shutdowns, significantly impacting daily life, economic activity, and access to vital data. This isn’t simply a matter of inconvenience; it’s a deliberate strategy with far-reaching consequences. The situation represents a severe curtailment of digital rights and a deepening humanitarian crisis.

Types of Internet Restrictions Implemented

The taliban’s approach to controlling the internet isn’t monolithic. It encompasses several tactics:

* Mobile Network Disruptions: Frequent and ofen unannounced shutdowns of 2G,3G,and 4G mobile networks,the primary means of internet access for most Afghans. These disruptions often coincide with protests or periods of unrest.

* Fiber Optic Cable Control: Restrictions on access to and maintenance of fiber optic cables, the backbone of Afghanistan’s internet infrastructure. this impacts fixed-line broadband and internet service providers (ISPs).

* Social Media Bans & Filtering: While not a complete ban, platforms like Facebook, Twitter (now X), WhatsApp, and Telegram have faced intermittent blocking or filtering, particularly during sensitive times. The justification often centers around “immoral content” or preventing the organization of opposition.

* Content Censorship: Increased monitoring and censorship of online content, targeting journalists, activists, and anyone critical of the Taliban regime. This includes pressure on ISPs to block specific websites and keywords.

* SIM Card Registration Requirements: Stringent SIM card registration policies, requiring biometric data, which effectively limits anonymous interaction and increases surveillance.

Impact on Key Sectors

The consequences of these internet restrictions are devastating across multiple sectors:

* Economy: Businesses reliant on online transactions, e-commerce, and digital communication are crippled. The digital economy in Afghanistan, already fragile, is collapsing. Remittances, a crucial source of income for many families, are also affected.

* Education: Online learning, already a necessity for many due to school closures (particularly for girls), becomes impossible. Access to educational resources and opportunities is severely limited. The digital divide widens, exacerbating existing inequalities.

* Healthcare: Telemedicine initiatives and access to vital health information are disrupted. Coordinating emergency medical responses becomes more arduous. Healthcare providers struggle to access crucial updates and resources.

* Humanitarian Aid: Aid organizations face significant challenges in coordinating relief efforts and reaching vulnerable populations. Communication with affected communities is hampered, hindering effective aid delivery.

* Freedom of Expression & Journalism: journalists and activists are increasingly unable to report freely or organise dissent. The press freedom index for Afghanistan has plummeted. The flow of information is severely restricted, creating a climate of fear and self-censorship.

* Women’s Rights: The restrictions disproportionately affect women, who rely heavily on the internet for education, economic opportunities, and maintaining connections with the outside world. The Taliban’s policies further isolate and marginalize women.

The Role of Telecommunication Companies

Afghanistan’s telecommunication companies are caught in a difficult position. They are pressured by the Taliban to implement restrictions and provide access to user data, while also facing the risk of alienating their customer base and damaging their reputation. Reports indicate that companies have complied with many of the Taliban’s demands, fearing repercussions. This complicity raises ethical concerns and highlights the vulnerability of the telecom sector under authoritarian rule.

Circumvention Tools and Their Limitations

Despite the restrictions, Afghans are attempting to circumvent the censorship using tools like:

* VPNs (Virtual Private Networks): Allow users to mask their IP address and encrypt their internet traffic, bypassing some restrictions. However, the Taliban actively attempts to block VPN services.

* Proxy Servers: Similar to VPNs, but often less secure.

* Satellite Internet: An expensive and inaccessible option for most Afghans.

* Mesh Networks: Decentralized networks that can provide connectivity in areas where conventional infrastructure is unavailable. However, these require technical expertise and are vulnerable to disruption.

The effectiveness of these tools is limited by the Taliban’s increasing sophistication in detecting and blocking them, as well as the cost and technical barriers to access.

International Response and Advocacy

The international community has largely condemned the Taliban’s internet shutdowns, but concrete action has been limited.

* Statements of Concern: Organizations like the UN,Human Rights Watch,and Amnesty International have issued statements expressing concern about the impact on human rights.

* sanctions: Targeted sanctions against Taliban officials responsible