Afghanistan: Taliban Cuts Fiber Optics to Combat 'Moral Decay'

A general telecommunications blackout is being observed in Afghanistan, weeks after the Taliban authorities began cutting fiber optic connections in several provinces. According to Agence France-Presse, communication with their Kabul office has been interrupted. The Netblocks organization reported that connectivity has fallen to 14%.

The restrictions began in early September, with a complete ban on fiber optics in the Balkh province. Similar restrictions have been reported in other provinces. The Taliban justify the measures with the need to 'prevent corruption' and combat 'moral decay'.

Until recently, the 9,350-kilometer fiber optic network was considered strategically important for the country's economic development. Since returning to power in 2021, the Taliban have imposed a series of bans, further exacerbating the country's isolation.