Internet Blackout Deepens Isolation in Afghanistan
A nationwide internet shutdown imposed by the Taliban has plunged Afghanistan into a deeper state of isolation, severing one of the last connections many Afghan women and girls had to the outside world. The blackout, which began on September 30, has disrupted essential services, halted online education, and crippled businesses that relied on digital connectivity. Taliban authorities have justified the measure as a means to combat 'immorality,' but the move has drawn sharp criticism from human rights organizations and the United Nations for its devastating impact on the population.
According to reports, the shutdown has affected telecommunications across the country, with services cut off 'until further notice.' The UN human rights office has described the implications as 'extremely serious,' particularly for women and girls who have increasingly turned to the internet for education and communication since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021. This digital blackout coincides with the fourth anniversary of the Taliban’s ban on girls attending secondary school, compounding the challenges faced by those seeking knowledge and connection.
Devastating Impact on Women and Girls
For many Afghan women, the internet represented a lifeline—a way to access online schools, connect with global communities, and sustain small businesses. Platforms like Aseel, which allowed female artisans to sell handmade goods internationally, are now inaccessible, cutting off vital income sources. Human rights groups have condemned the shutdown, emphasizing that it disproportionately harms women and girls who are already barred from many public spaces and opportunities under Taliban rule.
The timing of the blackout has raised concerns about its intent. Hibatullah Akhundzada, the Taliban’s supreme leader, reportedly ordered the measure to 'prevent immorality,' sparking fears that this could be a step toward a permanent ban on internet access for ordinary Afghans. Posts found on X reflect widespread despair, with users highlighting how the shutdown has disconnected thousands of women from mental health support, language classes, and other critical resources.
Economic and Social Fallout of the Shutdown
Beyond its impact on individuals, the internet blackout has paralyzed Afghanistan’s fragile economy and essential services. Businesses reliant on digital transactions, banking systems, and international communication are at a standstill, while Kabul’s main airport has been described as 'nearly deserted' due to grounded flights. Flight tracking data from services like Flightradar24 showed numerous cancellations and unknown statuses for flights in and out of the country during the initial days of the shutdown.
Even before the Taliban’s takeover, Afghanistan’s economy was in dire straits, with 47 percent of the population living below the poverty line as of 2020. Economists warn that this telecom blackout could exacerbate these struggles, further isolating an already suffering nation. While cell phone and internet services were reportedly restored in some areas on October 1 after a 48-hour outage, uncertainty remains about whether full connectivity will return or if further restrictions loom on the horizon.