- Fiber optic cable cut in several northern provinces to "prevent immorality"; mobile data remains active.
- This is the first ban of its kind since 2021; it affects offices, businesses, and homes.
- Organizations such as the CPJ and Afghan entities are denouncing an escalation of censorship.
- Serious effects on the economy, public services, and online education, especially for women and girls.
Un widespread blackout of fiber optic connectivity is spreading across northern Afghanistan following the Taliban leader's order to suspend this technology to "prevent immorality." The measure, unprecedented since the group regained power in 2021, has left public bodies, businesses, and homes in the affected areas without Wi-Fi.
The connections of Mobile data remain available for now, according to local authorities, who speak of seeking "alternatives to meet the needs." However, Users and businesses warn that mobile internet is slower and more expensive., and that its use does not compensate for the drop in fixed service on a daily basis.
Where the cuts have occurred
Balkh province confirmed the fiber blackout and, in parallel, severe interruptions are reported in other northern areas such as Kunduz, Badakhshan, Baghlan and Takhar; there are also warnings of problems in NangarharProvincial authorities have announced that all cable connections have been disabled in accordance with the central order.
The scope of the cut is limited to the fiber optic network; It does not affect mobile phone data at the moment.Prior to this decision, Afghanistan had over 1.800 kilometers of fiber optic cable deployed and an approved expansion of nearly 500 kilometers, a key infrastructure serving a large portion of the provinces.
Official reasons and public reaction
Provincial spokespersons frame the ban in the need to "avoid immoral activities"on the internet, citing authorities' recurring concerns about pornography and online interactions between men and women. In their statements, they add that an "alternative" will be offered for essential uses, without specifying a timeframe or the type of solution.
The response from press and civil society organizations has been immediate. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) described the measure as a escalation of censorship This is hindering the work of journalists and the public's right to access content. Afghan media support organizations have also condemned the blackout for its direct impact on freedom of expression.
International figures have questioned the effectiveness of the approach and have pointed to changes in platforms such as YouTube. Former diplomatic officials have pointed out that, if the concern is the exposure to adult content, There are filtering mechanisms that are less harmful to the economy and public life than a complete fiber cut..
Impact on the economy and services
Independent monitoring records point to a sharp drop in traffic In the affected provinces, this is a symptom of the extent of the disruption. Fiber optic is the backbone of the connection for banks, companies, government agencies, and media outlets; its disconnection slows down critical processes and blocks daily operations.
Business representatives They have warned of "severe effects" if the outage is prolonged., especially for the E-commerce, payments and relationships with clients outside the country"Today, much of business is done online," industry insiders have noted, urging against widening the gap between citizens and the government.
Residents of Mazar-e Sharif describe a forced transition to mobile: The cellular network is more expensive and slower, which makes teleworking and managing with international partners difficultSome acknowledge that if the ban is upheld, they would have to move to another province to continue operating.
Effects on education and daily life
Beyond the economy, the blackout hits students and teachers who depended on the online learningLocal experts fear the disruption will disrupt access to classes, digital libraries, and training platforms, particularly affecting those already facing restrictions in in-person learning.
Activists and educators warn of "dark days» if the disconnection becomes chronic: Each blackout pushes youth back, weakens the intellectual fabric and increases the feeling of isolation.For many students, the internet connection was their last connection to their teachers and educational content.
What may come next
For now, the authorities have not clarified whether the cut by optical fiber will be extended to more regions or how the announced "alternative" will materialize. In the past, there have been occasional mobile network shutdowns for security reasons, but This ban on fixed infrastructure marks a qualitative change in access control.
Digital security specialists warn that the opacity in communications and the reduction in international scrutiny could increase if restrictions persist. Media outlets and organizations are calling for the immediate restoration of service to ensure the flow of information and the continuity of essential activities.
The panorama that is drawn is that of a country with key sectors slowed down, disrupted livelihoods and compromised educational opportunities while fixed connectivity remains down; the outcome It will depend on whether the order is reversed or if an alternative is enabled that really covers the needs..
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