For the 2nd day Afghanistan faces communications blackout after Taliban government began cutting off connections in several provinces to prevent “vice”, Media reported.
Internet watchdog, Netblocks said that several communication networks in Afghanistan had been disconnected including telephone services, resulting a “total internet blackout” in the 43 million people nation.
“A nationwide telecoms blackout is now in effect,” said the watchdog adding that national connectivity is at 14% of ordinary levels.
Taliban authorities began the crackdown on internet access earlier this month, in effect shutting down high-speed internet in several regions.
The blackout has raised concerns about the return of earlier restrictions from the Taliban’s first rule, when they banned television, satellite dishes, and other forms of mass communication in what they described as a campaign against immorality.
On 16 September, the Balkh provincial spokesperson Attaullah Zaid said fibre-optic internet was completely banned in the northern province on the leader’s orders.
“This measure was taken to prevent vice, and alternative options will be put in place across the country to meet connectivity needs,” he wrote on social media.
Same restrictions were reported in the other provinces of Badakhshan and Takhar, as well as in Kandahar, Helmand, Nangarhar and Uruzgan in the south.
Since regaining power in 2021, the Taliban have instituted numerous restrictions in accordance with their interpretation of Islamic law.
