Afghanistan Faces Total Internet Blackout Under Taliban

Taliban cuts off nationwide internet, citing “morality measures,” leaving millions disconnected.

Publish date: Tuesday، 30 September 2025 Reading time: 1 min read

Afghanistan Faces Total Internet Blackout Under Taliban

Afghanistan just went dark—digitally. The Taliban has pulled the plug on internet access across the country, cutting off more than 43 million people from the online world. NetBlocks, a global watchdog, confirmed the shutdown on Monday, saying multiple networks and even phone lines were down, calling it a “total internet blackout.”

Why the shutdown?

According to Balkh province governor Haji Zaid, the order came straight from the Taliban’s supreme leader, who demanded a ban on fiber-optic cables to block what he called “immoral activities.” An in-country alternative system is supposedly in the works, but details are vague.

Impact on media and daily life

Afghan news outlets have already been hit hard. Kabul’s Tolo News said the blackout crippled its broadcasts and other Moby Group channels. Families abroad are also panicking, with many unable to reach loved ones. “Even slow internet was a blessing,” said Afghan journalist Wahida Faizi, now in Denmark.

Education takes a hit

For Afghan girls—already barred from school past grade six—online classes were their only hope. Now, with the internet cut, that lifeline is gone. Activists warn this blackout doesn’t just silence voices, it shuts down opportunities for millions.

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Afghanistan Faces Total Internet Blackout Under Taliban

Why the shutdown?

Impact on media and daily life

Education takes a hit

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