A total internet blackout and massive telecommunication disruptions rocked Afghanistan on Monday as Taliban authorities cut internet access as part of measures to clamp down on “immoral activities” in the country.
Netblocks, a platform tracking cybersecurity and global digital governance, confirmed Afghanistan’s internet blackout in a post on X on Monday.
“Update: #Afghanistan is now in the midst of a total internet blackout as Taliban authorities move to implement morality measures, with multiple networks disconnected through the morning in a stepwise manner; telephone services are currently also impacted,” Netblocks said.
Kabul-based Tolo News confirmed the internet blackout and its disruptions across the country, affecting telecommunications and banking activities nationwide.
“Internet blackout; connections between private banks’ central and provincial offices cut off. With the disruption of internet and telecommunication services across the country, banking services have also been affected, and the issue of payments between Da Afghanistan Bank (the central bank) and private banks has been impacted,” ToloNews said in a post on X. “It is worth mentioning that ATM services in Kabul have also been shut down.”
Internet blackout in Afghanistan comes a few weeks after Taliban authorities threatened a total internet blackout in a bid to clamp down on immoral activities.
Earlier this month, Taliban authorities also removed books written by women from the country’s tertiary education system, another move to ban the teaching of human rights and sexual harassment in the country.
