In a sweeping move, Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities have cut telecommunications services across the nation, leaving millions without mobile or internet access. This decision, announced to be in effect “until further notice,” has far-reaching implications for education, business, and daily life, particularly impacting women and girls. The Taliban government claims this measure is a step against “immorality,” yet it threatens to further destabilize the country’s already fragile economy.
The United Nations human rights office has condemned the blackout, describing it as having “extremely serious” implications for human rights, especially for women and girls who rely on digital platforms for education and employment opportunities. As Afghanistan grapples with this new reality, several key areas are significantly affected by the shutdown.
Impact on Social Media and Communication
At the start of 2025, approximately 13.2 million Afghans, or 30.5% of the population, had internet access, according to DataReportal. Social media, a vital tool for communication and information exchange, was used by around 4.05 million people. The blackout has left many, like Mehdi, a 29-year-old Afghan worker in Pakistan, unable to communicate with family back home. “I don’t know how they survive and how they live,” Mehdi lamented, highlighting the personal toll of this digital isolation.
Experts like Kate Clark, co-director of the Afghan Analysts Network, suggest that the Taliban’s policies aim to create a hostile environment for what they consider “sinful” behavior. Digital rights activist Usama Khilji notes that conservative regimes often view the internet as a threat to their control, particularly in liberating women and spreading diverse information.
Education and Employment Challenges
Afghanistan remains the only country where girls are prohibited from studying beyond primary school, and women face significant employment restrictions. Despite these barriers, online education platforms and remote work have offered some respite. “When schools closed, the internet became a gateway to online learning for some girls,” said a local activist. The blackout now threatens these lifelines, revealing the regime’s intent to exert absolute control over women and girls.
The media landscape is also at risk. Beh Lih Yi, regional director of the Committee to Protect Journalists, warns that “banning broadband internet is an unprecedented escalation of censorship that will undermine journalists’ work and the public’s right to information.”
Economic Implications and Digital Payments
While Afghanistan’s economy is predominantly agricultural, urban areas rely heavily on telecommunications for business operations. Najibullah, a merchant in Kabul, expressed his concerns: “Without phones or the internet, we are blind. All our activities depend on mobile phones.” The blackout disrupts digital payments and banking systems, which saw a significant expansion in 2024 with the number of ATMs tripling to 274 machines.
Fibre optic technology, introduced in the 2000s and covering over 9,350 kilometers, was once considered a priority for economic development. However, the current outage threatens to reverse these gains, impacting small businesses and services like ride-hailing and food delivery.
Transportation and Broader Impacts
The blackout’s effects extend to transportation, with flights to Kabul airport canceled. However, aviation expert Greg Waldron from FlightGlobal notes that aircraft operations may continue with radio communication, mitigating some disruptions.
This development follows a series of restrictive measures by the Taliban, reflecting their broader strategy to consolidate power and control over the Afghan populace. The international community remains concerned about the humanitarian implications, particularly as the country faces ongoing challenges.
As Afghanistan navigates this unprecedented situation, the world watches closely, urging the Taliban to reconsider their stance and restore essential communication services. The future of millions hangs in the balance, with critical sectors like education, business, and human rights at risk.
