The Taliban have significantly expanded restrictions on internet access across Afghanistan, enacting sweeping bans on fibre-optic (cable) internet and WiFi in multiple provinces over recent days in what is being framed as a campaign to prevent “immorality.” In particular, northern Balkh province has been hit hardest: government offices, private businesses, public institutions, and private homes are now forbidden from using cable or fibre internet, though mobile data services remain in place. The order for Balkh comes directly from Taliban Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada.
These new curbs are not isolated to Balkh. Similar internet shut-downs or severe disruptions have been reported in Kandahar, Helmand, Uruzgan, Nimroz, Badakhshan and Takhar provinces. Officials say the measure is being extended to cover all fibre-optic connections nationwide, while Internet via mobile networks is for now being preserved.
Those affected report serious hardship. Businesses say they cannot respond to clients abroad, students reliant on stable WiFi for online classes are cut off, and homes without mobile service strong enough to substitute cable are struggling. Some residents fear economic losses will mount or even force migration from provinces where restrictions are most severe.
Taliban spokesmen justify the ban as necessary to guard against immorality, citing concern over online “vices” and perceived social decay. While they promise that alternatives will be provided for essential needs, no concrete plan has been announced, and many remain skeptical. International observers warn that the impact will be deeply felt: restrictions on information flow threaten education, business, civic space and any efforts toward modernization or digital inclusion.
As of now, it is unclear how long the bans will last, whether they will be permanent, and to what extent mobile internet access might also be restricted. There are already signs that the policy reflects a broader ideological drive by the Taliban to assert stricter social control, particularly over women’s access to education and public life.
