Responding to the Taliban de facto authorities’ imposition of a total internet shutdown across Afghanistan under the pretext of preventing the “misuse of internet” and spread of “immoral acts,” Smriti Singh, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for South Asia said:
“The nationwide internet shutdown by the Taliban de-facto authorities is a reckless move that will have far-reaching consequences for delivery of aid, access to healthcare and other essential services at a time when Afghanistan is facing multiple humanitarian crises impacting almost half the population.
“Communication and access to information are critical tools for protection and promotion of human rights and by tightening their chokehold on the flow of information, the Taliban de-facto authorities are making sure that the world doesn’t get to know about the ongoing violations inside the country.
“Moreover, with women and girls in Afghanistan banned from schools beyond primary level, internet access is critical for their education. This shutdown disrupts their ability to learn and cannot be justified under any circumstances. A total shutdown of this nature is inherently disproportionate and would fly in the face of international human rights standards. The Taliban must restore full connectivity immediately.”
Background to the internet shutdown
Taliban de facto authorities imposed internet shutdown across the country on Monday,29 September 2025. Media reports cited the Taliban’s attempt to filter fibre-optic internet in order to “prevent immoralities” as a reason for the shutdown.
Both mobile and fibre internet services have been suspended until further notice.
Internet watchdog Netblocks reported a nationwide telecommunications blackout in Afghanistan, with less than 1% of normal internet activity on Monday, 29 September 2025.
Internet access is central to daily life in Afghanistan. It supports business transactions, humanitarian work, official communications, and crucially online classes for girls who remain banned from attending school beyond primary level.
