Internet Connectivity Resumes in Afghanistan Following Taliban Shutdown

Fri Oct 03 2025 03:07:29 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

After a 48-hour blackout imposed by the Taliban, internet and telecom services have restarted in Afghanistan, highlighting ongoing tensions surrounding communication freedoms in the country.

Afghanistan is experiencing a restoration of internet and telecom services after a nationwide shutdown ordered by the Taliban was met with widespread condemnation. The blackout, lasting 48 hours, disrupted many aspects of civilian life including businesses and emergency services, raising alarms about the impact on women's rights and humanitarian conditions. While officials have not provided an explicit reason for the shutdown, prior statements suggested intentions to limit access to prevent 'vices'. The recent restoration marks a significant moment for Afghan citizens, particularly women, who rely on internet access to connect with the world beyond the Taliban's restrictive regime.

Internet and telecom services are being restored in Afghanistan after a nationwide shutdown by the Taliban government provoked widespread condemnation.

Local reporters reported that communications were resuming across provinces while internet monitor Netblocks stated that live network data indicated a partial restoration of connectivity.

The 48-hour blackout interrupted businesses and flights, limited access to emergency services, and raised concerns about further isolating women and girls whose rights have severely eroded since the Taliban took power in 2021.

The Taliban has not offered an official explanation for the shutdown. However, a spokesperson for the Taliban governor in the northern province of Balkh claimed last month that internet access was being blocked for the prevention of vices.

Since assuming control, the Taliban has imposed a range of restrictions inline with their interpretation of Islamic Sharia law.

Afghan women have described the internet as a vital connection to the outside world, especially following a ban preventing girls over the age of 12 from receiving an education.

Women's job opportunities have also been drastically reduced; in September, books authored by women were removed from universities.

Post-blackout, the United Nations indicated that Afghanistan was nearly completely disconnected from the outside world, warning that this risked significant harm to the Afghan population, including threatening economic stability and worsening one of the world's worst humanitarian crises.