Story perspectives

Taliban's Internet Crackdown Sparks 35,000% VPN Surge

10/15/2025

Summary

Story summary

The Taliban imposed social media restrictions on October 7 and a nationwide internet shutdown, triggering a 35,000% surge in VPN usage in Afghanistan.
The Taliban confirmed that access to Facebook, Instagram, and X is limited across the country.
Internet services were restored after a 48-hour blackout, but NetBlocks reported ongoing regional shutdowns.
VPNs cannot circumvent total internet outages, highlighting the ongoing struggle for online freedom in Afghanistan.

History

Historical Context

The Taliban's resurgence in 2021 marked a return to oppressive policies reminiscent of their previous rule from 1996 to 2001, including severe restrictions on digital freedoms. In response, VPN usage surged by 35,000%, reflecting the population's struggle to access platforms like Facebook. This situation highlights ongoing concerns about civil liberties in Afghanistan and the broader trend of authoritarian regimes suppressing online freedoms.

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Story summary

The Taliban imposed social media restrictions on October 7 and a nationwide internet shutdown, triggering a 35,000% surge in VPN usage in Afghanistan.
The Taliban confirmed that access to Facebook, Instagram, and X is limited across the country.
Internet services were restored after a 48-hour blackout, but NetBlocks reported ongoing regional shutdowns.
VPNs cannot circumvent total internet outages, highlighting the ongoing struggle for online freedom in Afghanistan.

1 / 2