Taliban Leader Calls for Internet Restrictions in Afghanistan

Kokcha News Agency – Residents of Mazar-e-Sharif report that the Taliban cut off Wi-Fi services in the city on Monday. Telecommunications companies have confirmed the move, stating it was ordered by Taliban officials. Afghan Telecom and other internet service providers have also stopped cable internet, though mobile internet remains active.

A Kabul-based internet service provider, speaking anonymously for security reasons, revealed that the Taliban halted fiber optic services across Afghanistan about 20 days ago. Companies have contacted the Ministry of Telecommunications, but were told, “We do not agree with stopping fiber, but the order came from Kandahar.” A delegation from the Taliban cabinet is expected to visit Kandahar to explain the importance of fiber optics in development projects, including the TAPI pipeline and regional railway plans.

In Mazar-e-Sharif, a meeting between Mohammad Yusuf Wafa, the governor of Balkh, and internet company representatives confirmed that the Wi-Fi shutdown was directly ordered by Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada. The Taliban justifies these restrictions as part of a “fight against immorality,” previously demanding the blocking of apps like PUBG and TikTok, as well as pornographic websites. However, filtering these platforms is costly, ranging from $50,000 to $100,000 monthly.

Sources indicate that the Taliban leader has decided to curb high-speed internet access to control public opinion, with plans to implement this policy gradually across provinces. Before the fiber optic shutdown, internet speeds averaged 40 Mbps, but now hover between 4 to 6 Mbps on wireless networks.

Global Context:
The Taliban’s move in Mazar-e-Sharif is the latest example of political use of internet restrictions. Globally, limiting high-speed internet has become a common tool for information control and suppression. In 2024 alone, the global network of internet freedom advocates recorded 296 internet shutdowns in 54 countries. Notable examples include Iran, which cut off internet access during protests in 2019, and Russia, which has slowed internet speeds and restricted social platforms since 2021.

Impact on Afghanistan:
According to Ookla, Afghanistan has one of the slowest internet speeds globally, ranking 150th. Experts warn that restricting high-speed internet will further degrade the quality of life for Afghans, who rely on it for information, business, and entertainment. Widespread internet limitations will have serious economic, educational, and social consequences, further restricting citizens’ access to information and participation in modern life.