Story perspectives

Taliban's Internet Blackout Worsens Women's Rights in Afghanistan

10/9/2025

Summary

Story summary

The Taliban restricted social media content in Afghanistan, affecting Facebook, Instagram, and X.
A two-day internet blackout disrupted businesses and emergency services, heightening concerns about women's rights.
NetBlocks reported intentional restrictions across multiple providers; the Taliban offered no formal explanation.
Afghan women say internet access was essential after educational bans; universities removed books by women, and opportunities diminished.

History

Historical Context

The Taliban's resurgence in 2021 reinstated severe restrictions on women's education and media, echoing their previous rule from 1996 to 2001, when they enforced strict Sharia law and banned female education. By 2021, educational opportunities for girls plummeted, mirroring historical censorship practices seen in regimes like the Soviet Union, raising concerns about Afghanistan's isolation and regression in women's rights.

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Story summary

The Taliban restricted social media content in Afghanistan, affecting Facebook, Instagram, and X.
A two-day internet blackout disrupted businesses and emergency services, heightening concerns about women's rights.
NetBlocks reported intentional restrictions across multiple providers; the Taliban offered no formal explanation.
Afghan women say internet access was essential after educational bans; universities removed books by women, and opportunities diminished.

1 / 2