Taliban Imposes Internet Restrictions in Five Afghan Provinces
The Taliban has imposed a significant internet restriction in five northern Afghan provinces, drawing widespread condemnation. The move, aimed at preventing 'immorality', has raised concerns about freedom of speech and the economic impact on the country.
The Taliban's leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada, ordered the shutdown of fiber-optic internet in these regions. This is the first such restriction since the Taliban ret took power in August 2021. The ban is part of an increasing global trend of governments using internet restrictions to stifle dissent, as highlighted by international observers.
Ali Maisam Nazary, head of foreign relations for the National Resistance Front, labelled the decision as proof of the Taliban's 'era of terror and tyranny'. An Afghan women's rights organization also condemned the move, warning it cuts off Afghans from the world. Afghan women, already barred from schools and universities, are particularly affected by the internet shutdown.
Zalmay Khalilzad, former U.S. ambassador to Afghanistan, expressed concern about the economic impact, stating the measure would damage the country's net. NetBlocks, an internet-monitoring service, confirmed a drop in connectivity in Afghanistan. While mobile internet remains available, it is costly and connections are unreliable.
The Taliban's internet restriction in northern Afghanistan has sparked international concern. The move, while claiming to prevent 'immorality', is seen as a means to control communications and limit information flow. The economic and social impacts on Afghanistan are expected to be significant.
