What Happened and When
In a move described by Afghan authorities as necessary to curb immorality and control information, the Taliban government ordered a nationwide cut to internet services. Beginning Monday, the country faced an abrupt suspension of internet access across public and private networks as well as the country’s vital fibre-optic backbone. This marks the first such wide-scale disruption since the group seized power in August 2021, when the regime began applying its strict interpretation of Islamic law to governance and social life.
Private television networks and telecom operators reported that fibre-optic connections could be phased out city by city, with cascading outages anticipated as the shutdown took effect. Officials cited network hardening and security concerns as part of the rationale, though details about the scope and duration remained unclear, prompting widespread concern among residents and international observers.
The Rationale Behind the Shutdown
Taliban leadership, led by the group’s senior figures, has long emphasized public morality and the suppression of what it considers immoral behavior. Insiders say the decision to interrupt internet and related communications was tied to enforcing a stricter social code and limiting external messaging that could undermine the regime’s authority. The government has asserted that the step is temporary and aimed at preserving public order, while also restricting messaging channels used by both internal dissenters and external actors.
Analysts caution that interpreting the shutdown through a single lens risks overlooking a broader pattern: the Taliban’s ongoing effort to regulate both domestic and foreign communications in a fragile state with limited infrastructure and a history of external interference. The fibre network, once a nine-thousand-plus kilometer backbone built notably with international support, is central to Afghanistan’s ability to connect with the outside world, and its disruption reverberates across governance and security sectors.
Impact Across the Country
The outage has crippled several essential services that rely on internet connectivity. Banking platforms, customs procedures, and airline operations—industries that depend on real-time data exchange—have faced significant disruption. In provinces already struggling with limited telecommunication options, the blackout has amplified daily hardships for ordinary citizens who rely on digital channels for payments, information, and communication with loved ones abroad.
Travel and logistics feel the squeeze as airport and customs communications slow or halt. Many households report dwindling mobile data speeds in the weeks leading up to the shutdown; on the official day of the outage, overall connectivity fell dramatically, with some monitoring groups noting that nationwide internet availability plunged to a fraction of typical levels. The situation has pushed people toward older, less reliable means of staying connected, increasing the risk of miscommunication during a period of heightened tension.
The Tech Backbone and the Risks Ahead
Afghanistan’s telecom infrastructure has long been hampered by limited investment and recurrent outages. The overnight suspension of fibre-optic networks highlights the fragility of a system that underpins banking, administration, and crisis response. As networks remain offline, the country could lose critical time in rebuilding digital services and restoring trust with citizens and international partners.
With no clear timetable for restoration, questions remain about the long-term impact on Afghanistan’s economy, education, healthcare, and governance. Observers warn that prolonged disconnections could entrench regulatory controls while delaying the adoption of digital tools that enable transparent governance and international aid delivery.
What Comes Next
Authorities have indicated that the shutdown will persist “until further notice,” underscoring the government’s preference for control over external communications and information flow. The international community is watching closely, weighing concerns over human rights, freedom of information, and the potential for prolonged disruption to humanitarian aid and economic development. As the country navigates this tense period, stakeholders emphasize the need for clear communication, a defined path to service restoration, and safeguards to ensure that essential services remain functional or can be restored quickly if needed.
