Taliban bans WIFI in Afghan province to curb 'immorality'
This is the first such restriction on WIFI services since the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021.
The Taliban government has imposed a ban on fiber optic internet in Afghanistan's northern Balkh province, saying the measure was taken to "prevent immorality," officials confirmed Tuesday (16 September).
This is the first such restriction on WIFI services since the Taliban's return to power in August 2021.
The ban has cut off internet access for government offices, private businesses, public institutions, and households across Balkh. Mobile internet services, however, remain operational.
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Haji Attaullah Zaid, spokesman for the provincial administration, said the order came directly from Taliban supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada. "This measure was taken to prevent immorality, and an alternative will be built within the country for necessities," he told the Associated Press.
Authorities have not explained why Balkh was singled out for the ban or whether similar restrictions will be extended to other provinces.
Afghan officials in the past have temporarily suspended mobile networks during religious festivals or security threats, often to block remote detonation of explosive devices.
