The Taliban has denied reports of a nationwide internet ban in Afghanistan, following a total communications blackout that left millions cut off.
Officials said the disruption was caused by outdated fiber optic cables, which are currently being replaced. This was the Taliban’s first statement since the outage began, sparking confusion and concern among the population.
The blackout affected more than 40 million Afghans, disrupting essential services such as banking, travel, aid work, and businesses. Many citizens reported being unable to access mobile data, leading to speculation about an intentional internet shutdown.
A spokesperson dismissed the claims, saying the Taliban had no plan to impose a nationwide internet ban. Instead, they argued that the blackout was a technical issue caused by infrastructure problems. However, the explanation has done little to calm fears among residents, who remain worried about government control over online access.
The denial comes at a time when internet access is already limited in Afghanistan, with high costs and restricted availability in rural areas. Critics argue that even short-term outages can severely impact daily life, especially in cities where people depend on digital banking and online communication.
Technology experts noted that replacing old fiber optic cables could indeed cause disruptions, but a complete national blackout raised questions. Many observers believe the Taliban may still be testing ways to control the internet, despite their official denial.
International organizations have expressed concern, pointing out that communication blackouts affect humanitarian work. Aid groups rely on online systems for coordination, and such disruptions make it harder to deliver food, medicine, and other supplies.
The situation has also drawn comparisons with global debates about internet freedom and digital rights. While Afghanistan struggles with outages, countries like China are moving in the opposite direction by introducing policies to attract foreign tech talent. Recently, China launched a new visa to attract skilled workers, highlighting the sharp contrast in how different governments approach technology and connectivity.
For ordinary Afghans, however, the immediate concern is restoring stable internet access. Businesses, students, and healthcare providers have all urged authorities to ensure such disruptions do not happen again.
As repairs continue, the Taliban insists that the blackout is temporary and not politically motivated. But many remain skeptical, fearing future restrictions on Afghanistan’s fragile digital space.
