Story perspectives

Taliban Orders Officials to Surrender Phones, Threatens Smashing

6/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

A military court ordered all Afghan officials, including judges, to surrender their smartphones, with non-compliance leading to the phones being smashed.
The Taliban’s ban on civil-servant smartphone use, effective June 16, has stopped many administrative tasks that relied on mobile phones, WhatsApp, and email, prompting the Panjshir governor to announce enforcement in provincial offices.
Rights activists warn the restriction could further limit Afghans’ access to education, documentation of abuses, private communication, and uncensored information.

1 of 1

Story summary

A military court ordered all Afghan officials, including judges, to surrender their smartphones, with non-compliance leading to the phones being smashed.
The Taliban’s ban on civil-servant smartphone use, effective June 16, has stopped many administrative tasks that relied on mobile phones, WhatsApp, and email, prompting the Panjshir governor to announce enforcement in provincial offices.
Rights activists warn the restriction could further limit Afghans’ access to education, documentation of abuses, private communication, and uncensored information.