The Taliban has clarified reports of an internet ban in Afghanistan. The government stated that connectivity issues are due to technical malfunctions and old fiber-optic cables. The Taliban claims that reports of restrictions on internet services are merely rumors.
Afghanistan: Amidst reports of an internet ban from Afghanistan, the Taliban government has issued a major statement. The government claimed that the notion of a nationwide ban on the internet is entirely false. The Taliban states that the impact on internet services in the country is due to old fiber-optic cables that are being replaced. With this statement, the Taliban has issued its first public response regarding the questions surrounding reports of an internet shutdown.
Clarification on Internet Ban Reports
On Wednesday, the Taliban government issued an official statement saying that reports of an internet shutdown in Afghanistan are just rumors. The government claims that the impact seen on internet services is due to technical malfunctions. In fact, old fiber-optic cables have stopped working, and their replacement is underway.
Taliban officials shared a written statement in a chat group with Pakistani journalists, stating, “Rumors are being spread that we have banned the internet.”
Earlier Reports of Internet Ban
Last month, internet shutdowns were confirmed in several Afghan provinces. Local reports claimed that the internet was being controlled following orders from Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada to curb “immorality.” This led to discussions on social media that the Taliban had imposed a nationwide internet ban.
NetBlocks Report
Internet monitoring organization NetBlocks had reported a few days ago that connectivity in Afghanistan had dropped to just 14 percent of normal levels. This means internet services across the country have almost come to a standstill.
According to NetBlocks, Telecom Services are severely affected in many areas. Major agencies like the Associated Press were unable to contact their journalists. Reporting from areas such as Kabul, Nangarhar, and Helmand had almost ceased.
Public Complaints
For the past few weeks, people in several Afghan provinces have been struggling with internet issues. In some places, the internet is extremely slow, while in others, it is not working at all. Many families complained that their daughters' Online English Classes have been affected.
One woman stated that she could not attend her online class after the internet was cut off. Many users said that this situation is negatively impacting both their studies and their work.
Impact on Banking and Airports
The internet connectivity problem was not limited to ordinary people. Banking Services and E-Commerce Activities across Afghanistan have also come to a halt. Many people in Kabul reported that their fiber-optic internet was suddenly shut down.
Furthermore, the television and radio services of media channels like Tolo News were also affected. Not only that, but flights at Kabul Airport were also disrupted due to internet and connectivity issues.
