A comprehensive internet blackout has been implemented throughout Afghanistan, as the Taliban intensifies its restrictions on what it deems “immoral activities.” Telecommunications services have been shut down across the country, as confirmed by Netblocks, a global internet monitoring organization. This action includes limitations on telephone services, resulting in a complete internet blackout affecting the entire nation, including a population of 43 million. This is the first time such a blackout has occurred under the current government, and it poses significant challenges for humanitarian efforts in the wake of a recent devastating earthquake. The connectivity cuts occurred in stages, with phone services being affected in the final phase. The Taliban has previously expressed concerns about online content. Reports indicate that the fibre-optic network relied upon for operations will be shut down, with thousands of telecommunications pillars set to be taken offline. This measure is expected to remain in place “until further notice.” The impact of this blackout is likely to severely limit the public’s ability to contact the outside world.
