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Summary
The Taliban has imposed a ban on internet across several northern provinces of Afghanistan, cutting off millions from access. The move has raised fears for women who depend on online education and livelihoods.
The Taliban administration has imposed an internet ban across several northern provinces of Afghanistan. According to provincial officials on September 17, 2025, the move was aimed at “preventing immoral activities.”
This becomes the first nationwide crackdown on fiber-optic internet since the Taliban seized power in 2021. The restrictions leave government offices, businesses, schools, and households without Wi-Fi access, though mobile internet remains available. Officials say alternatives are being considered “for necessities.”
The ban affects at least five northern provinces including Kunduz, Badakhshan, Baghlan, Takhar and Balkh, cutting off internet access for millions of people.
On September 16, authorities in Balkh confirmed a shutdown, while disruptions were reported in other parts of the country. By September 16, officials confirmed outages had also spread to Nangarhar in the east.
The restrictions have sparked alarm, particularly among Afghan women who rely on the internet for education, healthcare training, and livelihoods. Many women operate online schools and businesses, now threatened by the blackout.
Since returning to power, the Taliban has rolled back women’s rights, barring them from attending universities, secondary schools, and most workplaces. Women have also been prohibited from receiving treatment from male doctors, and restrictions have halted the training of female healthcare workers.Â
