Internet Disconnection in Afghanistan - Remarkably Apart from Moral Transgressions
In a move that has raised concerns about internet freedom and potential repression, the authorities in Afghanistan have shut down the country's internet, marking the first such instance since the Taliban took power. This internet speed test, which occurred in an advanced era, has left government institutions, private sector businesses, and residential homes without Wi-Fi and connectivity.
The shutdown affects the fiber-optic network, but mobile internet remains operational, albeit reportedly slow and expensive. The measure to block the network has been implemented in northern Afghanistan, with the exact scope and duration of the shutdown remaining unclear.
The move is aimed at "preventing immorality," according to a representative from the province of Hajj. This is not the only instance of restrictions being imposed in Afghanistan. The Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice has imposed restrictions on the citizens bank and certain children's toys, with Taliban representatives banning the sale of these items in the southern Afghan province of Kandahar.
The restrictions faced by women in Afghanistan are significant. Guidelines for house window designs have been approved by the country's supreme leader, aiming to prevent women from being seen. These guidelines add to the ongoing efforts to control various aspects of life in Afghanistan.
Elsewhere, the state identified as having made a similar decision is Venezuela, which blocked TikTok and several VPN websites starting on January 9, 2025. Other examples include Turkey implementing social media restrictions, including blocking platforms like TikTok and YouTube, on March 19, 2025, and Albania ordering the blocking of TikTok on March 12, 2025.
The ongoing updates to laws in Afghanistan often lead to tightening of restrictions. The constant changes in laws have made it challenging for the citizens, with the latest internet shutdown being a prime example. The unnamed resident expressed concerns about the internet speed test ban, citing fears of repression.
As the situation in Afghanistan continues to evolve, it is crucial to monitor these developments closely and ensure that the rights and freedoms of the citizens are protected.
Read also:
- United States tariffs pose a threat to India, necessitating the recruitment of adept negotiators or strategists, similar to those who had influenced Trump's decisions.
- Weekly happenings in the German Federal Parliament (Bundestag)
- Southwest region's most popular posts, accompanied by an inquiry:
- Discussion between Putin and Trump in Alaska could potentially overshadow Ukraine's concerns
