Full Breakdown
Impact of Internet Shutdowns on Freedom of Expression in Afghanistan and Beyond
9/26/2025, 2:39:38 PM
Taliban's Internet Shutdowns in Afghanistan
Since the Taliban's return to power in 2021, Afghanistan has witnessed a significant decline in individual freedoms, particularly affecting women. The Taliban's recent decision to shut down fiber-optic Internet access in large parts of the country, initiated on September 15, 2023, has exacerbated this situation. The shutdown has left government offices, homes, and businesses in around half of Afghanistan without WiFi, impacting the livelihoods of many, especially women who rely on online work. Maryam, an online interpreter, expressed her concerns: "We have faced many problems due to the Internet shutdown... I'm the breadwinner of my family."
The Taliban justified the shutdown as a measure to prevent "immorality," citing concerns over pornography and online interactions between men and women. However, critics argue that this move is part of a broader crackdown on freedoms and the flow of information. Elizabeth Stickney, a U.S. State Department spokesperson, labeled the restrictions as "very concerning," indicating potential negative impacts on ordinary Afghans and the economy.
Consequences for Education and Employment
The Internet has become a crucial tool for Afghan women, many of whom have lost their right to work and study due to Taliban policies. Soraya, who worked remotely for a foreign organization, stated that the shutdown has made "life more difficult for us, and I'm afraid that I will lose this last hope and my job." Similarly, Nazifa, a ninth-grade student banned from education, lamented the loss of her online learning opportunities, saying, "When the WiFi was disconnected, I lost all hope."
Islamic scholars have criticized the Taliban's actions, asserting that there is no religious basis for such a complete Internet ban. Fazl al-Hadi Wazin, a member of the International Union of Muslim Scholars, emphasized that while the Taliban can restrict certain content, cutting off the Internet entirely deprives the nation of essential tools for progress.
Broader Implications of Censorship
The Taliban's Internet shutdowns are not isolated incidents. Globally, there is a worrying trend of governments restricting access to information. In Russia, for instance, new laws have expanded state control over the Internet, punishing citizens for accessing content deemed "extremist." Galina Arapova, Director of the Mass Media Defence Centre, highlighted the law's potential to silence dissent and isolate citizens from independent information sources.
Similarly, in the Philippines, despite a decrease in journalist killings under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., rights groups warn of ongoing intimidation and politically motivated prosecutions. The government has blocked access to independent media outlets, further stifling press freedom.
Criticism and Calls for Action
Media watchdogs have condemned the Taliban's actions as an unprecedented escalation of censorship that undermines journalists' work and the public's right to information. Beh Lih Yi from the Committee to Protect Journalists stated, "Banning broadband Internet... will undermine journalists' work and the public's right to information."
As the global landscape of freedom of expression continues to deteriorate, the need for advocacy and action to protect these fundamental rights becomes increasingly urgent. The free flow of information is essential for accountability and democracy, and the shutdowns in Afghanistan and beyond highlight the critical need for vigilance against censorship.
