Afghanistan is facing a nationwide communications shutdown as the Taliban government imposes strict restrictions on internet and telecom services. According to watchdog group NetBlocks, the country is experiencing a “total internet blackout,” with fibre-optic connections cut off across multiple regions.
International media outlets report that they have lost contact with their offices in Kabul. Mobile internet and satellite TV have also been heavily disrupted. The Taliban has not provided an official explanation for the blackout, but officials confirmed the shutdown would continue until further notice.
Local media outlets, including Tolo News, urged citizens to follow their social media channels for updates, as disruptions are also expected to affect TV and radio broadcasts.
The impact of Afghanistan’s internet blackout is being felt beyond communications. Flights at Kabul International Airport have been cancelled, with tracking service Flightradar24 confirming at least eight flight disruptions on Tuesday. Diplomats warn that banking systems and e-commerce operations may also suffer nationwide.
Residents in Kabul say fibre-optic services stopped working around 17:00 local time on Monday. Many fear the effects will be more visible as businesses reopen on Tuesday. Fibre-optic technology is vital because it transfers data at high speed and supports most global internet connectivity.
The reports show that a committee in Kabul is reviewing plans to filter fibre-optic internet to prevent what Taliban officials describe as “immoralities.” Weeks of slower or blocked connections across provinces had already left Afghans struggling.
Citizens say their livelihoods and education are under threat. A money changer in Takhar province said his daughters’ online English classes have ended. Another woman said she could no longer attend online lectures or hope for remote work opportunities.
Hamid Haidari, former editor of 1TV, described the blackout as “loneliness enveloping the entire country.” Former parliament member Mariam Solaimankhil added that the silence online is “deafening.”
Critics warn that Afghanistan’s internet blackout marks another step in restricting freedoms since the Taliban retook control in 2021. Women, already barred from education and work opportunities, are among those hit hardest, with one of their last connections to the outside world now severed.
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