Taliban's Internet Restrictions: A Deepening Crisis in Afghanistan

In late September 2025, the Taliban implemented a nationwide internet shutdown for 48 hours, citing the need to combat "immorality" linked to internet access. This abrupt action affected millions of Afghans, particularly women and girls who rely on online education and commerce. Following the blackout, internet access was restored, but with significantly reduced speeds and ongoing restrictions on social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook. Reports indicate that the Taliban's actions are part of a broader strategy to control information and limit access to education for women.

Taliban’s New Internet Restrictions Keep Afghanistan Out of the Global SpotlightTelecom firms say Taliban ordered fiber internet shutoffs in parts of Kabul at nightTom's Guide

The internet shutdown has severely disrupted educational opportunities for Afghan women. Many, like Nilam, a 23-year-old student, expressed feelings of despair when their online classes were cut off. “At that moment, my world went dark,” she stated, highlighting the emotional toll of losing access to education. With schools closed, online learning had become a vital resource for many women seeking to improve their skills and job prospects. Nooria, another woman affected by the restrictions, turned to online commerce to support her family after losing her job due to Taliban edicts. She lamented, “Continuing this work has become nearly impossible for me,” as the cost of mobile data is prohibitively high compared to shared Wi-Fi access.

Taliban’s New Internet Restrictions Keep Afghanistan Out of the Global Spotlight

The Taliban has justified these internet restrictions by claiming they aim to curb moral corruption among the youth. However, many observers argue that the true intent is to isolate Afghan society, particularly women, from global communication and educational resources. Media experts and local residents have criticized the Taliban's actions as a means to suppress dissent and control the flow of information. Ahmad, an internet service provider, noted that the limited access now allows for “hardly meaningful internet use,” restricting education and research.

Telecom firms say Taliban ordered fiber internet shutoffs in parts of Kabul at night

In response to the social media restrictions imposed on October 7, 2025, VPN usage in Afghanistan surged by 35,000%, according to Proton VPN. This spike indicates a desperate attempt by citizens to bypass censorship and regain access to essential communication tools. Despite the increase in VPN usage, many users found that these tools were ineffective during the total internet shutdown, illustrating the challenges faced by Afghans in maintaining connectivity.

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The recent internet restrictions have sparked internal disputes within the Taliban leadership. While some factions push for tighter controls, others recognize the need for a more pragmatic approach to governance. Reports suggest that senior Taliban leaders were unaware of the internet shutdown until it occurred, indicating a lack of cohesion within the group. Daoud Naji, a political figure from the anti-Taliban Afghanistan Freedom Front, noted that there is ongoing debate within the Taliban regarding internet use, reflecting growing dissatisfaction with the current leadership.

When the Taliban shut off the internet

The Taliban's internet restrictions represent a significant setback for the rights and freedoms of Afghan citizens, particularly women. As the situation evolves, the implications for education, employment, and social connectivity remain dire. The international community continues to monitor these developments, with hopes that internal pressures within the Taliban may lead to a reconsideration of their policies. The struggle for access to information and basic rights in Afghanistan is far from over, as citizens seek to reclaim their voices in an increasingly isolated environment.

When the Taliban shut off the internet