Taliban enforces internet ban in parts of Afghanistan ‘to curb immorality’

The Taliban administration in Afghanistan has ordered an internet ban across northern parts of the country.

Provincial government statements said on Wednesday that the ban was “to prevent immoral activities”.

On Tuesday, the northern Balkh province confirmed a Wi-Fi shutdown, with reports of severe disruption in other parts of the country.

On Thursday, officials in the east said internet access was cut off in more provinces.

This is the first such internet ban since the Taliban took over Afghanistan in 2021.

Other restrictive measures have, however, been taken in the past.

In May 2022, the Islamist group asked women to wear head-to-toe clothing when in public places, and restricted them from boarding domestic or international flights without a male chaperone.

In December of the same year, females were banned from attending university. Days after the decree, the Taliban ordered all foreign and domestic non-governmental organisations in the country to suspend women from working.

According to the statement, the internet ban would be limited to all connections via fibre optic cable.

Internet access on cell phone data, however, will be available, the statement noted, adding that an alternative will be provided for essential needs.