Afghanistan's Internet Restrictions Resurface, Targeting Social Media
Internet restrictions have resurfaced in Afghanistan, with residents in Kabul and Mazar-i-Sharif facing difficulties accessing social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Snapchat. This comes just two weeks after a previous shutdown and nearly a month after a complete internet blackout. The Taliban, however, has yet to comment on the recent developments.
The current restrictions, which began on Tuesday, follow a pattern of internet disruptions in the country. Last month, the Taliban ordered a nearly 48-hour complete shutdown, with no official explanation from the government. A Taliban spokesperson previously attributed similar shutdowns in the north to an order from the supreme leader Haibatullah Akhundzada, citing a desire to prevent 'immorality'.
Afghanistan's Ariana News has reported on the disruptions, but the Taliban has not yet publicly commented on the recent restrictions. Residents are now relying on VPN services to access the blocked platforms, indicating a circumvention of the restrictions.
The recent internet restrictions in Afghanistan, particularly targeting social media platforms, raise concerns about freedom of expression and access to information. With the Taliban yet to comment on the situation, it remains unclear how long these restrictions will last and what their impact will be on the country's digital landscape.