Taliban Reinforces Internet Controls in Afghanistan
In a move that has sparked concern among locals and various groups in Afghanistan, the Taliban Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada ordered a crackdown on internet access on September 17. The internet ban, described as a campaign against "vice" by Afghan authorities, has left tens of thousands of people without internet access and is causing significant problems for businesses and social media influencers in the country.
The Taliban have imposed numerous restrictions based on their strict interpretation of Islamic law since taking power in 2021. The latest internet crackdown involved severing fibre-optic connections in multiple provinces, including the northern Balkh province where fibre optic internet was fully banned. This has effectively shut down high-speed internet in several regions for two days.
The main internet technology in Afghanistan is fibre optic cabling, and the disruptions are causing problems for businesses. For instance, a marble contractor in Kandahar is facing delayed emails to clients in Dubai and India, which threatens the business's operations.
The Taliban's internet crackdown is also having a negative impact on the connectivity needs in provinces like Balkh. Provincial spokesman Attaullah Zaid announced that alternative options will be provided to meet connectivity needs in the province.
An assortment of social media influencers have been building their 'brand' in Afghanistan, with several Western travel influencers, including German Margaritta and British Zoe Stephens, posting glossy travel vlogs showing the Taliban's friendlier side and exploring the country's landscapes and culture despite safety concerns. These influencers have gained followers and revenue by sharing these experiences on platforms like TikTok and Instagram since 2024. However, the internet ban is affecting these social media influencers, who are referred to as 'weirdos' in the context of the article.
The Taliban's actions are causing concern among various groups in Afghanistan, including businesses and social media influencers. The move has left many questioning the Taliban's intentions and the future of internet access in the country. Christians are targeted throughout Afghanistan by the Taliban, and it remains to be seen how this latest crackdown will affect them.
As the situation continues to unfold, it is clear that the Taliban's internet crackdown is having far-reaching consequences for the people of Afghanistan. The need for alternative internet solutions and a return to normal connectivity is becoming increasingly urgent.
