Taliban’s Internet Ban Severely Impacts Afghan Women’s Access to Information and Essential Services

Afghanistan Faces Digital Isolation As internet Access Is Curtailed

Kabul, Afghanistan – A widening internet disruption across Afghanistan is causing significant hardship for businesses, students, and citizens, with particular repercussions for women attempting to maintain access to education and economic opportunities. The restrictions, initially focused on fiber-optic networks in several northern provinces, are now impacting connectivity across the country, raising concerns over digital freedom and economic stability.

The Expanding Restrictions

Local authorities have confirmed a ban on fiber-optic services in the provinces of Balkh, Kunduz, Badakhshan, Takhar, and Baghlan, citing a desire to prevent “immoral activities.” Reports are emerging of service disruptions in other key areas, including Kandahar, Herat, and Parwan, although these have not received official acknowledgement. This growing digital blackout is leaving many reliant on significantly more expensive and unreliable mobile data connections.

The current crackdown represents the most extensive internet disruption as the Taliban assumed power in 2021.While not a nationwide shutdown, the expanding reach of the restrictions is sparking concern among citizens and international observers.

Impact on Businesses and Livelihoods

Small business owners, particularly those reliant on online sales and communication, are bearing the brunt of the disruption. Sabrinna Hayat, who operates Hayat Handicrafts employing nine women artisans, reported a tripling of her internet costs as she is forced to depend on costly mobile data packages. This has severely hampered her ability to maintain contact with customers both within Afghanistan and internationally.

Similar stories are emerging from various sectors. A tailor in Kabul, requesting anonymity, expressed fear for her livelihood and the well-being of the women she employs, who depend on online orders to sustain thier families. She described the situation as possibly forcing her to leave the country to seek opportunities elsewhere.

Education and Access to Information

The internet has been a critical resource for students, especially girls barred from secondary schools and universities.The recent disruptions have effectively severed this lifeline for many, hindering their ability to continue their education remotely.Reports indicate that students are no longer able to attend online english classes, denying them access to valuable learning opportunities.

Did You No? According to Internet World Stats,as of June 2024,Afghanistan’s internet penetration rate is approximately 22.6%, highlighting the significant impact of these disruptions on access to information.

Reasons Behind the Restrictions

Digital rights advocates argue that the stated justifications for the restrictions – preventing “immoral activities” – mask a deeper motive: increased control over the population and limiting access to information. According to Kabul-based academic Obaidullah Baheer, this pattern echoes past Taliban policies that utilized similar reasoning to justify restrictions on freedoms, frequently enough without delivering on promised reforms.

“This demonstrates an anti-modern stance from the Taliban,” Baheer stated. “It appears their struggle is against modernity itself.”

Hear’s a fast comparison of internet access changes in Afghanistan as 2021:

Year	Internet Penetration Rate (approx.)	Key Developments
2021	19.5%	Taliban seize power; initial concerns about internet access
2022	21.1%	Gradual increase in internet access despite political instability
2023	22.6%	Expansion of fiber-optic networks in some areas, followed by increasing restrictions
2024 (current)	22.6%	Widespread internet disruptions and service bans, particularly fiber-optic

The Broader Context of Digital Rights in Afghanistan

This situation unfolds against a backdrop of escalating challenges to human rights in Afghanistan. Restrictions on women’s rights have intensified, impacting their access to education, employment, and public life. Control over information and communication has become a critical tool for the taliban, and the recent internet disruptions are symptomatic of this trend.

Pro tip: Staying informed about human rights developments in conflict zones requires relying on verified sources like the United Nations Human Rights Office (https://www.ohchr.org/) and reputable international news organizations.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the current state of internet access in Afghanistan?

  Internet access is facing widespread disruptions, particularly impacting fiber-optic services in several provinces.

• Why is the Taliban restricting internet access?

  The stated reason is to prevent “immoral activities,” but critics believe it’s a move to control information and limit freedoms.

• How are these restrictions impacting businesses?

  Businesses reliant on online communication and sales are experiencing increased costs and difficulty maintaining operations.

• what is the effect on education, particularly for girls?

  Students, especially girls barred from in-person schooling, are losing access to online learning opportunities.

• Are these restrictions nationwide?

  While not a complete nationwide shutdown,the disruptions are expanding beyond the initial provinces targeted.

• What can be done to mitigate the impact of these restrictions?

  International pressure, advocacy for digital rights, and support for choice communication channels are crucial steps.

What are your thoughts on the Taliban’s actions and their impact on the lives of ordinary Afghans? Do you think international intervention can play a role in restoring internet access and protecting digital rights?

Share your thoughts in the comments below!

How does the Taliban justify its internet ban on women, and what contradictions does this present in relation to internationally recognized human rights?

The Digital Exclusion of Afghan Women

Since regaining control in Afghanistan, the Taliban has implemented increasingly restrictive policies, with a near-total ban on women’s access to the internet representing a particularly devastating blow. This isn’t simply about social media access; it’s a systemic dismantling of women’s ability to participate in education, healthcare, economic opportunities, and civic life. The impact extends far beyond individual inconvenience, creating a humanitarian crisis fueled by information deprivation. This digital gender gap exacerbates existing inequalities and hinders Afghanistan’s overall advancement.

Restrictions and Their Evolution

The internet ban hasn’t been a single, sweeping decree. Rather, it’s unfolded through a series of escalating restrictions targeting women and girls.

* Initial Bans on Mobile Internet for Women: Starting in late 2023, mobile internet access was initially suspended for women, justified by vague claims of upholding Islamic values and preventing “misuse” of technology.

* Expansion to Home internet: The restrictions quickly broadened to include home internet access, effectively cutting off a vital lifeline for many.

* Enforcement Tactics: The Taliban’s enforcement relies on telecom companies, who are compelled to cut off female subscribers or implement technical measures to block access. Threats and intimidation are also reported.

* Impact on VPN Usage: While some women attempt to circumvent the ban using Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), the Taliban actively works to block VPN services and penalizes those caught using them.

these policies directly contravene international human rights standards, specifically the right to freedom of expression and access to information, as outlined in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Impact on Key Sectors

The consequences of this internet ban are far-reaching, impacting multiple facets of Afghan women’s lives.

Education

* Online Learning Disrupted: The ban has effectively halted online education for girls beyond the sixth grade, as schools and universities remain largely inaccessible to them. This impacts millions of students.

* Loss of Educational Resources: Access to online libraries, research materials, and educational platforms is now denied, severely limiting learning opportunities.

* Teacher Training Hindered: Female teachers, crucial for girls’ education where it is available, are also affected, losing access to professional development resources and dialog networks.

Healthcare

* Telemedicine Blocked: Telemedicine, a vital service in a country with limited healthcare infrastructure, is inaccessible to women, hindering their ability to receive medical consultations and support.

* Health Information Deprivation: Women are cut off from crucial health information regarding maternal care, family planning, and disease prevention.

* Mental Health Support Limited: Access to online mental health resources and support groups,particularly crucial given the trauma experienced by many Afghan women,is eliminated.

Economic Empowerment

* Business disruption: Women-owned businesses that rely on online marketing, sales, and communication are severely impacted, leading to economic hardship and job losses. Many small businesses have been forced to close.

* Financial Exclusion: Access to online banking and financial services is restricted, limiting women’s ability to manage their finances and participate in the formal economy.

* Freelancing Opportunities Lost: The ban prevents women from accessing online freelancing platforms, a crucial source of income for many.

Social and Civic Participation

* Reduced Access to Information: Women are denied access to news, current affairs, and information about their rights, limiting their ability to make informed decisions and participate in civic life.

* Silencing of Voices: The ban stifles women’s voices and prevents them from sharing their experiences and advocating for their rights online.

* increased Isolation: The internet ban contributes to increased social isolation and feelings of helplessness among Afghan women.

The Role of Technology and Circumvention Efforts

Despite the restrictions,Afghan women are demonstrating remarkable resilience and ingenuity in seeking ways to circumvent the ban.

* VPN Usage (despite Crackdowns): While increasingly difficult,some women continue to use VPNs to access the internet,risking severe penalties.

* sharing Data via Bluetooth & Offline Networks: Innovative methods of sharing information offline, such as using Bluetooth to transfer files and creating local networks, are emerging.

* Satellite internet (Limited Access): Satellite internet offers a potential solution, but it is expensive and inaccessible to most Afghans.

* Advocacy by Tech Organizations: International tech organizations and human rights groups are working to provide support and develop tools to help Afghan women access information and communicate securely.

International Response and Advocacy

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

* Statements of Condemnation: numerous governments and international organizations have issued statements condemning the ban and calling for its reversal.

* Humanitarian Aid Concerns: The ban is hindering the delivery of humanitarian aid and exacerbating the existing humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan.

* Sanctions and Pressure: Some countries are considering targeted sanctions against taliban officials responsible for implementing the ban.

* Support for Civil Society: International organizations are providing financial and technical support to Afghan civil society groups working to promote women’s rights and access to information.

Real-World Examples & Case Studies

* The Story of a Kabul Teacher: