The Taliban's assault on freedom and internet connectivity

Global Watch | 2025-09-24

The Taliban's decision to impose a sweeping ban on fiber-optic internet across Afghanistan marks a troubling escalation in its crackdown on access to information and freedom of expression.

With provinces like Balkh, Baghlan, Badakhshan, Kunduz, Nangarhar and Takhar now cut off from the internet, millions of Afghans are being plunged into digital isolation, The Associated Press reported. While mobile internet remains functional, the ban on fiber-optic connectivity disrupts government operations, private businesses, public institutions and households, leaving the nation's infrastructure and economy in disarray.

The Taliban's justification for the ban to "prevent immorality" is a thinly veiled attempt to tighten its grip on the flow of information. By severing fiber-optic internet access, the regime is not only curbing citizens' ability to communicate freely, but also silencing dissent and independent media. The Afghanistan Media Support Organization has condemned the move, warning that it poses a "threat to freedom of expression and the work of the media."

This blackout is not just about controlling information; it is about controlling people. Without reliable internet access, Afghans are cut off from the outside world, unable to access news, educational resources or essential services. For a country already grappling with economic collapse and humanitarian crises, this ban further isolates Afghanistan from the global community.

Economic and social fallout

The ban's impact on Afghanistan's fragile economy can't be overstated. Fiber-optic internet is the backbone of modern communication, enabling businesses to operate, government offices to function and public institutions to deliver services. The shutdown disrupts everything from financial transactions to healthcare systems, deepening the country's economic woes.

For the private sector, the ban is a devastating blow. Entrepreneurs, small businesses and tech startups that rely on stable internet connections are now struggling to survive. The loss of connectivity also hampers international aid organizations, which depend on digital communication to coordinate relief efforts in a country where millions face food insecurity and poverty.

Afghanistan's fiber-optic network, spanning over 1,800km, was a symbol of progress in a country long plagued by instability. Just last year, plans were announced to expand the network by an additional 488km, signaling hope for improved connectivity and development. The Taliban's decision to dismantle this progress is a stark reminder of its regressive policies and disregard for the well-being of its citizens.

Global implications

The Taliban's internet ban is not just an Afghan issue, it is a global concern. In an interconnected world, the suppression of digital access in one country has ripple effects across borders.

The blackout sets a dangerous precedent for authoritarian regimes seeking to control information and stifle dissent. It also raises questions about the international community's ability to respond to such actions and support the Afghan people.

The world must not look away. The Afghan people deserve better, and their right to connect, communicate and thrive must be defended.