Afghanistan restricts internet access to curb ‘immorality’

The Afghan government has announced that internet services have been cut off in several provinces of northern Afghanistan in an effort to curb what it described as “immoral activities.”

According to international media reports, the ban initially applies to five major provinces: Kunduz, Badakhshan, Baghlan, Takhar, and Balkh.

Taliban officials stated that the restrictions currently target fiber-optic internet connections, while mobile data services will remain available for the time being.

In an official statement, authorities confirmed that fiber connections in the affected provinces have been severed, leaving homes, offices, and businesses without internet access.

The Taliban justified the move as a measure to prevent unethical practices, adding that alternatives will be provided for essential needs.

Last year, the Taliban introduced a morality law requiring women to cover their faces and men to maintain beards, while also banning the playing of music in public spaces.

Since regaining power in August 2021, the group has barred women from most jobs and secondary education, shut down beauty salons, and prohibited older girls from attending madrassas.