Disruption of Internet Services in Afghanistan: Implications as Taliban Enacts Shutdown
In a move that has raised concerns among activists and experts, the Taliban has imposed a complete ban on fiber-optic internet access in Afghanistan. The ban, which took effect in the northern Balkh province on Tuesday, has since extended to other northern provinces, including Kunduz, Badakhshan, Baghlan, and Takhar.
The Taliban leadership has not provided an official explanation for the ban, but a spokesperson for the governor of Balkh stated that the decision was taken to "prevent immorality." However, the impact of this decision on the daily lives of Afghans is far-reaching.
Pashtana Durrani, founder of the online school network LEARN Afghanistan, warned that the internet shutdown is an attack on the country's future, as it is the last link for many students, particularly girls, to teachers and lessons. The Taliban's ban on broadband internet could significantly impact girls and women's education, as many have resorted to online education due to previous bans on attending schools and universities.
One activist described the internet shutdown as a "direct attack on the dignity, freedom, and future of a nation." Activists inside Afghanistan have expressed concerns about the internet shutdown, viewing it as a step towards backwardness, ignorance, and destruction.
The fiber-optic network is primarily used by companies, banks, and government agencies in Afghanistan. The disruption of this critical infrastructure could potentially force some businesses to shut down, as 80% of business is currently conducted online. The failure of government agencies and institutions to function due to the fiber-optic internet shutdown puts additional pressure on central administrative structures.
Afghan filmmaker Sahraa Karimi, who teaches her students online, is concerned about the internet shutdown as it prevents her from teaching her students. The Taliban's ban on broadband internet could also widen the gap between the people and the government, as communication and access to information become increasingly difficult.
Experts suspect the Taliban wants to block critical content and preempt any protests. Internet usage in the affected provinces has dropped dramatically, according to data from London-based internet monitor NetBlocks.
This article was originally published in German. Additional reporting by Helay Asad.
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