Taliban extend crackdown on internet access

Afghanistan's Taliban authorities expanded their crackdown on internet access on Wednesday, severing fibre optic connections in multiple provinces in what officials said was a campaign against “vice.”

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The move, ordered by Taliban Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada, has effectively shut down high-speed internet in several regions over two days, leaving tens of thousands without access and sparking concern among locals.

In northern Balkh province, fibre optic internet was completely banned on the leader's orders, provincial spokesman Attaullah Zaid said on Tuesday.

“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 X.

A media correspondent confirmed that internet access in Balkh was now only possible via the telephone network, which is disrupted with all operators affected.