Taliban Cuts Internet, Citing ‘Immoral Activities’
Taliban fighters ride on the roof of a Humvee during celebrations for the fourth anniversary of the U.S. withdrawal and the start of Taliban rule in Kabul, Afghanistan, Aug. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Nava Jamshidi)
The Taliban has implemented Afghanistan’s first internet blackout since reclaiming control of the country in 2021. On Wednesday, officials announced that fiber optic internet services had been cut in at least six northern provinces, citing a need to “prevent immoral activities,” according to the Associated Press.
The blackout affects Badakhshan, Baghlan, Balkh, Kunduz, Nangarhar, and Takhar—regions that include some of the country’s most populous northern areas. The disruption has impacted offices, homes, and businesses that rely on fiber optic connections, although mobile data services reportedly remain operational for now. Authorities indicated that limited access may be granted for essential needs, per Reuters.
While officials did not clarify what specific “immoral activities” they are targeting, the Taliban has previously voiced concerns about pornography and online interactions between men and women. Former U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad questioned the move, telling Reuters that if the goal is to prevent access to explicit content, targeted filtering would be more effective than a blanket shutdown.
The Afghanistan Media Support Organization condemned the blackout, warning that it “disrupts millions of citizens’ access to free information” and “poses a grave threat to freedom of expression,” as reported by the AP.
Since returning to power, the Taliban has faced ongoing criticism from international rights groups and foreign governments over sweeping restrictions on civil liberties, particularly those affecting women and freedom of expression. The regime has barred girls from attending secondary school, significantly limited women’s employment, and last year codified strict moral guidelines—including mandatory veiling for women, beard requirements for men, and bans on music in vehicles. The group also enforces gender segregation in public life, a policy that has complicated disaster response efforts, including during recent earthquakes.
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