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57m ago

Taliban Orders Nationwide Internet Blackout, Cutting Afghanistan Off From the World

Imposed until further notice, the shutdown is crippling flights, banking, phone networks, drawing urgent UN calls for restoration.

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It is the first time since the Taliban government won their insurgency in 2021 that communications have been shutdown in the country
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Overview

  • NetBlocks reports connectivity collapsing to single-digit levels, with networks disconnected in phases since September 29 and phone service also impacted.
  • The order is attributed to Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada, with officials citing the prevention of “vice” and pledging a domestic alternative without providing technical details.
  • Because telephone traffic rides the fiber backbone, mobile and fixed-line calls have degraded, and TOLOnews says 3G and 4G will be switched off within a week, leaving only 2G.
  • Flights, banking systems, hospitals, media broadcasts and government operations have been disrupted, with multiple Kabul flights canceled and businesses in the capital closing.
  • The UN mission and rights groups urge immediate restoration, warning the blackout deepens humanitarian risks and disproportionately harms women and girls who relied on online work and learning.