What's happened
The Taliban has imposed a ban on Wi-Fi internet in northern Afghanistan, affecting government, private, and public sectors. Mobile internet remains operational. Officials cite moral reasons and seek alternatives for essential needs. The move marks the first such ban since Taliban's return to power in 2021.
What's behind the headline?
The Taliban's decision to ban Wi-Fi highlights a strategic effort to tighten control over information and suppress dissent. While mobile internet remains available, the restriction on Wi-Fi—used by businesses, government, and residents—will likely hinder economic activity and communication. This move signals a broader pattern of information suppression under Taliban rule, risking increased isolation and economic stagnation in affected regions. The justification of moral reasons masks underlying motives to limit external influence and control narratives. The decision could provoke further international criticism and deepen Afghanistan's technological isolation, impacting both local livelihoods and regional stability.
What the papers say
AP News reports that this is the first Wi-Fi ban since Taliban's return, affecting multiple provinces and disrupting essential services. The Independent details the specific provinces impacted and the officials' claims of seeking alternatives. The New Arab emphasizes the Taliban's rationale of preventing immorality and the potential economic consequences for residents and businesses. Contrasting perspectives reveal a pattern of increasing restrictions, with officials framing the move as moral enforcement, while critics warn of broader implications for freedom of expression and economic development.
How we got here
Since the Taliban seized control in August 2021, Afghanistan has experienced increased restrictions on internet access. Fiber-optic networks were previously widespread, supporting communication and business activities. The recent ban on Wi-Fi in northern provinces reflects ongoing efforts by Taliban authorities to control information flow and enforce moral standards, with officials claiming the move aims to prevent immorality and build domestic alternatives.
Go deeper
- What are residents saying about the Wi-Fi shutdown?
- Could this lead to international sanctions?
- How might this affect Afghanistan's economy long-term?
More on these topics
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The Taliban or Taleban, who refer to themselves as the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, are a Sunni Islamic fundamentalist political movement and military organization in Afghanistan currently waging war within that country.
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Afghanistan, officially the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, is a landlocked country at the crossroads of Central and South Asia.