Archive · 23 Sep 2025
Afghan Women Face Economic Hardship Amidst Internet Ban
Some areas in Afghanistan have had their fiber-optic internet shut down by the Taliban.
This means people have to use more expensive mobile internet.
This especially hurts women who run small businesses, as they rely on the internet to sell their goods.
They are struggling to keep up with orders because the internet is slow and costly now.
Students who use online classes can no longer access their education.
The Taliban says the ban is to stop things they see as immoral, but some believe it is about control.
This is making it hard for women to earn money and for students to learn.
Fiber-optic internet services have been banned in five northern provinces of Afghanistan.
The ban has disrupted businesses and increased internet costs for many.
The Taliban stated the ban is to prevent "immoral activities."
The shutdown is the first large-scale internet restriction since the Taliban took power in 2021.
Digital rights advocates suggest the ban is more about control than morality.
- Who
- Afghan women, businesses, and students.
- What
- A ban on fiber-optic internet services in several Afghan provinces.
- When
- The ban began recently, with reports emerging last week.
- Where
- Five northern provinces of Afghanistan, with potential disruptions in other areas.
- Why
- According to officials, to prevent "immoral activities."
Critics and Impacted Individuals
Taliban Officials
Justification for Ban
Critics and Impacted Individuals
Critics argue the ban is about control and restricts access to education and economic opportunities.
Taliban Officials
The ban is to prevent "immoral activities" and an alternative solution will be developed.
- Affected Provinces
- Balkh, Kunduz, Badakhshan, Takhar, Baghlan, and potentially others
- Reason Given for Ban
- To prevent "immoral activities"
- Impact on Businesses
- Increased internet costs, hindering sales and orders
- Impact on Education
- Disrupted online classes for students, especially girls
- Cost Increase for Internet
- Threefold increase in internet costs for some businesses