Overview

• NetBlocks reported intentional restrictions on Instagram, Facebook and Snapchat across several networks beginning this week.
• Users inside Afghanistan said they could only access the platforms with VPNs, while WhatsApp and X continued to work for some, according to local and wire reports.
• Taliban authorities have not issued an official explanation or confirmation of the new blocks.
• The measures follow a roughly 48-hour shutdown of fiber internet and mobile service from September 29 to October 1 that disrupted flights, banking, e-commerce, online work and schools.
• Local media, citing Reuters, reported officials had set a one-week deadline to disable 3G and 4G—a claim not confirmed by the government—as rights groups warn the curbs further restrict information flows and disproportionately harm women.