Afghanistan plunged into a nationwide internet blackout on Tuesday, post-Taliban made announcement of suspending the access, owing to increasing immoral activities. This move has raised alarm globally with further disconnecting millions staying in the grip of Taliban.

What NetBlocks shared?

Digital rights watchdog NetBlocks late Monday posted on X, “Afghanistan is now in the midst of a total internet blackout as Taliban authorities move to implement morality measures, with multiple networks disconnected through the morning in a stepwise manner; telephone services are currently also impacted.”

NetBlocks on X:
“ Update: #Afghanistan is now in the midst of a total internet blackout as Taliban authorities move to implement morality measures, with multiple networks disconnected through the morning in a stepwise manner; telephone services are currently also impacted

NetBlocks on X: ” Update: #Afghanistan is now in the midst of a total internet blackout as Taliban authorities move to implement morality measures, with multiple networks disconnected through the morning in a stepwise manner; telephone services are currently also impacted https://t.co/AlB6Tum8Dp” / X

Unable to connect with family members in Afghanistan

Some of the Afghans residing in India in a conversation with the CSR Journal shared that they are not able to reach out to their family members in Afghanistan. Not only the internet blackout, flight data revealed that several incoming flights to Kabul have been cancelled.

“Since yesterday night I have been trying to build a communication with my extended family there but calls haven’t gone through,” shared Noman Sayed Khan, resident of Rajasthan. He further added that he is very concerned if his family is safe there.

How has this affected media houses in Afghanistan?

A Kabul-based TOLOnews TV shared information about the shutdown and interruption in its broadcasting. Different news agencies have not been able to connect with their bureaus in Kabul. In its post TOLOnews writes on X, “Sources have confirmed to TOLOnews that today (Monday), afternoon, fiber-optic internet will be shut down across the country. With the internet cut, the broadcasts of Moby Afghanistan’s television and radio networks (TOLOnews TV, TOLO TV, LEMAR TV, Arman, and Arakozia FM) will face disruptions.”

TOLOnews English on X: “#BREAKING Sources have confirmed to TOLOnews that today (Monday), afternoon, fiber-optic internet will be shut down across the country. With the internet cut, the broadcasts of Moby Afghanistan’s television and radio networks (TOLOnews TV, TOLO TV, LEMAR TV, Arman, and Arakozia https://t.co/CRsSdofzwo” / X

Is this the return of hardliner rule?

Ever since Taliban took over Afghanistan in 2021, this is one of the largest and most organised telecom blackouts in Afghanistan. This move has raised doubts of a return of the hardline rule, when all mass communication was outlawed in the name of combating immorality.

Had the Taliban made an announcement earlier?

The Taliban had earlier warned that it might cut the internet to curb immoral activities. The governor of northern Balkh province, Haji Zaid, said in a statement, “An alternative system will be established within the country for essential needs.”

Talking about the orders, Zaid shared that it came from Mawlawi Haibatullah Akhundzada, who is the supreme leader of Taliban.

Online schooling in trouble

When Taliban came to power in Afghanistan, it immediately banned girls’ education beyond sixth grade, and thus many students attended online classes to continue their education. But now, as the internet has been cut, the opportunity to get education will be difficult for many girls in Afghanistan.

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