Taliban Maintains Control Over Tech Sector Amid Connectivity Issues
The Taliban has opted not to shut down the technology sector, even after residents experienced a 48-hour blackout of cell phone and internet services.
Major telecom providers, including the foreign-owned Roshan and Etisalat, resumed services on Wednesday afternoon. This restoration followed disruptions that also affected satellite television broadcasts and air travel.
According to reports, the disruption not only caused at least five flights to be canceled at Kabul Airport but also impacted banking operations during the service interruption.
NetBlocks, a digital rights organization, announced on Monday that Afghanistan was facing an “internet blackout” as the Taliban implemented moral regulations. They noted that multiple networks were not operational that morning.
In response, the Taliban offered a different explanation. They described the blackout as a consequence of “fiber optic infrastructure collapse,” dismissing claims of a deliberate ban as mere “rumors.”
The Taliban stated that they were working to replace broadband internet infrastructure, leading to these service interruptions. Yet, doubts arise since just weeks ago, they cited the need for morality as the reason for restricting residents’ internet access.
In mid-September, reports surfaced that the Taliban had prohibited fiber optic internet in regions of Afghanistan, particularly in the northern Balkh province. These measures were justified by officials as necessary to uphold moral standards, with plans to establish local alternatives for essential services.
Haji Attaullah Zaid, a government spokesperson, emphasized that these actions aim to prevent immorality and mentioned the absence of internet service in government offices, private residences, and public institutions.
During this service suspension, reports indicated that Afghan women faced further isolation from educational resources, as they are barred from formal education past the age of 12. Additionally, the Taliban has removed books authored by women from universities, part of a broader ban on discussing human rights and related issues.
Approximately 140 books were flagged as “concerning” by the Taliban for supposedly being anti-Sharia and violating their policies.
