Archive · 30 Sep 2025
Afghanistan: Taliban Shuts Down Internet and Data Services
The Taliban has shut down internet and mobile data services in Afghanistan.
This means people cannot use 3G and 4G internet services on their phones.
Although the exact reason is unclear, previous actions suggest it might be related to concerns over content.
This impacts communication for a population of 43.8 million people.
This action comes after prior restrictions put in place by the Taliban following their takeover in 2021.
The UN and other groups may be affected by the restriction.
The Taliban ordered a shutdown of 3G and 4G internet services.
The shutdown impacts the population of roughly 43.8 million people.
The reason for the shutdown remains unclear but possibly related to concerns over immoral activities.
The decision follows other restrictions in Afghanistan since the Taliban takeover in 2021.
The shutdown leaves only the older 2G connection active.
- Who
- Taliban
- What
- Ordered the shutdown of internet and mobile data services
- When
- Unspecified
- Where
- Afghanistan
- Why
- Morality concerns
Citizens/Aid Organizations
Taliban
Freedom of Communication
Citizens/Aid Organizations
Restrictions limit access to information and communication, impacting daily life and humanitarian efforts.
Taliban
Restrictions are necessary to adhere to their interpretation of Islamic law and for public morality.
Economic Impact
Citizens/Aid Organizations
Shutdowns disrupt jobs and economic activity.
Taliban
The Taliban has not released a statement regarding this, though has previously expressed an intention to limit immoral content.
- Event
- Internet and Mobile Service Shutdown
- Location
- Afghanistan
- Initiator
- Taliban
- Service Affected
- 3G and 4G internet services
- Reason
- Unclear, but possibly related to morality concerns
- Population Affected
- 43.8 million
Sources
Communication Blackout In Afghanistan As Taliban Bans Internet Citing 'Morality Measures'
Why Has the Taliban Shut Down The Internet Across Afghanistan? Here’s What’s Behind It
Internet Blackout Hits Afghanistan As Taliban Enforce Morality Crackdown
Internet Blackout Hits Afghanistan as Taliban Enforce Morality Crackdown
Afghanistan plunges into total telecom blackout as Taliban cuts internet
Afghanistan’s cellphone, internet services down, monitoring shows
‘To prevent vice’: Taliban imposes indefinite ban on internet services across Afghanistan
Taliban cuts off internet in Afghanistan: Why women will be the most impacted
Afghanistan sees telecom shutdown as Taliban cut off internet
Factbox-What restrictions have the Taliban imposed in Afghanistan this year?
Afghanistan’s cellphone, internet services down after Taliban ordered cut, sources say
