Story perspectives

Afghans Celebrate Internet Restoration After Taliban Blackout

10/2/2025

Summary

Story summary

Internet and mobile services were restored on October 1, 2025 after a 48-hour Taliban-ordered blackout.
The 48-hour outage disrupted businesses, flights, and emergency services.
The United Nations (UN) warned disruption threatened economic stability and worsened the humanitarian crisis.
Afghans celebrated the restoration in Kabul as international transfers and flights were halted.

History

Historical Context

The U.S. invasion of Afghanistan in 2001 led to the Taliban's overthrow, which had previously enforced strict communication controls. By 2021, 55% of Afghans still lacked reliable internet access, worsening economic conditions. The recent 48-hour blackout imposed by the Taliban reflects historical censorship tactics, disrupting businesses and emergency services, and highlighting ongoing struggles for stability and information access in Afghanistan.

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Story summary

Internet and mobile services were restored on October 1, 2025 after a 48-hour Taliban-ordered blackout.
The 48-hour outage disrupted businesses, flights, and emergency services.
The United Nations (UN) warned disruption threatened economic stability and worsened the humanitarian crisis.
Afghans celebrated the restoration in Kabul as international transfers and flights were halted.

1 / 2