The Taliban has ordered a shutdown of the internet service across Afghanistan, causing loss of communication for millions. The decision has been implemented to control “vice” in the country.
Earlier, the ruling authority had fiber optics cut off to bar the internet. It’s said that the connectivity operated at 1% on Monday, September 29. The shutdown is said to last until further notice.
“It is going to be cut, it will happen gradually tonight, there are eight to nine thousand telecommunications pillars that will shut down,” AFP reports, quoting a government official.
“There isn’t any other way or system to communicate … the banking sector, customs, everything across the country will be affected.”
An internet watchdog, Netblocks, declared that a nationwide internet blackout was in effect, which described that it looked “consistent with the intentional disconnection of service”.
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To control vice
On September 16, Balkh provincial spokesman Attaullah Zaidsaid that controlling the vice was the motive behind banning internet access in the northern province.
“This measure was taken to prevent vice, and alternative options will be put in place across the country to meet connectivity needs,” he said. The blackout has now spread to more regions.
Taliban regained its ruling authority in 2021 after years of US—backed governments ruled the country. But this is the first time they have imposed restrictions on the communications.