The Impact of the Taliban's Internet Ban on Afghan Women and Education

In late September 2025, the Taliban regime in Afghanistan imposed a nationwide internet blackout, following an earlier ban on fiber-optic internet access in five northern provinces. Officially, the Taliban claimed the move aimed to curb “immoral activities,” but the consequences have been devastating, particularly for women and girls who have already faced severe restrictions on education and employment. The blackout, which lasted from September 29 to October 1, 2025, has highlighted the critical role of the internet as a lifeline for Afghan women and marginalized communities.

When Taliban Shut Down the Internet, Women Lost their Lifeline to Aid, Education & Each Other

The internet has become essential for Afghan women and girls, especially since secondary and higher education has been largely inaccessible to them since the Taliban's takeover in 2021. Many have relied on online platforms for education, professional development, and remote work opportunities. The internet ban effectively severed these connections, leaving nearly 2.2 million Afghan girls fearing the loss of their last remaining educational lifeline. Roqia, a student, expressed despair, stating, “What is the point of living when we can’t do anything for our future and ourselves?”

Afghan students react to the Taliban’s recent internet ban

The impact on the economy has also been significant. The Taliban's actions disrupted small businesses that relied on online sales, particularly those run by women. The Afghan Chamber of Commerce reported that 80% of business transactions occur online, and the blackout resulted in immediate losses for many entrepreneurs. As Khan Jan Alokozai noted, the internet is crucial for sustaining livelihoods in a country where women have been systematically pushed out of public life.

When Taliban Shut Down the Internet, Women Lost their Lifeline to Aid, Education & Each Other

The internet blackout has intensified feelings of isolation and despair among Afghan women. It has not only cut off access to education and work but also silenced voices advocating for rights and freedoms. The Taliban's actions reflect a broader political strategy to restrict women's participation in society and erase their presence from public life. As one Afghan woman stated, “Shutting down the internet is the final step toward backwardness, ignorance, and destruction.”

Afghan students react to the Taliban’s recent internet ban

International reactions have included condemnation from countries like Qatar and Saudi Arabia, which have criticized the Taliban's restrictions on girls' education. The United Arab Emirates has called for the immediate reversal of the ban, emphasizing that Islamic teachings support girls' education.

Afghanistan’s ban on girls’ education goes online

Critics argue that the Taliban's internet ban is a deliberate attempt to deepen oppression and erase opportunities for women and marginalized groups. The ban has been described as a catastrophic blow to dignity, empowerment, and global connection. Many Afghan women have voiced their frustration, stating that the internet was their only means of continuing education and maintaining hope for a better future.

Afghan students react to the Taliban’s recent internet ban

While the Taliban's internet restrictions were briefly lifted, reports indicate that many users continue to experience slow and unstable connections. The long-term effects of the blackout on education and the economy remain uncertain, with experts warning of potential catastrophic losses amounting to $9.6 billion by 2066 due to the exclusion of women and girls from education.

The Guardian Nigeria: Taliban Restrict Afghan Girls’ Access to Education and the Internet

• “The Bush Institute recently spoke with Afghan students courageously continuing their studies via LEARN Afghan to share their perspective and why the internet shutdown matters for Afghans and the global community at large: Ghotay, a LEARN Afghan student The internet ban in Afghanistan is catastrophic for women, girls, and other persecuted communities because it strips them of one of the few remaining lifelines to education, employment, and freedom of expression.” — Ghotay, LEARN Afghan student

Afghan students react to the Taliban’s recent internet ban

• “Shutting down the internet is the final step toward backwardness, ignorance, and destruction,” — Afghan woman in a video message

The Diplomat Magazine

• “When I heard that the internet had been cut, the world felt dark to me,” — Afghan woman from Takhar province

Afghanistan’s ban on girls’ education goes online

The Taliban's internet ban represents a significant setback for Afghan women and girls, further entrenching their marginalization and limiting their access to education and economic opportunities.

Afghanistan’s ban on girls’ education goes online