Internet Blackout Engulfs Afghanistan
A sweeping internet outage struck Afghanistan on September 29, 2025, cutting off much of the country from fiber-optic and mobile networks. Monitoring groups and local media say the move aligns with a Taliban push to enforce stricter moral rules.
Scope of the Blackout
NetBlocks, an internet observatory, reported that connectivity collapsed to nearly 14% of normal levels. The outage affected both telecom and internet services, making communication within Afghanistan and with the outside world extremely difficult. Prior to the nationwide shutdown, several provinces — including Balkh, Kanduz, Badakhshan, Takhar, and Baghlan — already lost fiber-optic access. The Taliban had justified earlier cuts by citing a need to prevent “immorality.”
Government Position & Enforcement
The Taliban government has not publicly confirmed the full blackout. However, earlier this month, Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada reportedly issued orders banning fiber-optic connections in selected provinces. In Balkh, officials stated the ban applied to cable-based WiFi and urged use of alternative networks. Mobile internet remained available in some regions, though it was slow and costly.
Impacts & Concerns
The blackout has severely disrupted education, business, and humanitarian services. Many women and girls, already barred from attending secondary schools, lost their main access to learning through online platforms. Small entrepreneurs relying on digital trade say their work has been paralyzed. Critics argue the blackout is part of a broader crackdown on information and dissent under the pretext of enforcing moral codes.
What to Watch
Observers are watching closely to see whether the blackout will extend indefinitely or if partial services will be restored. Analysts warn the move risks further isolating Afghanistan and deepening the Taliban’s control over information.
