The Taliban regime banned the use of the internet via fiber optic in Afghanistan's Balkh province in order to "prevent immorality," a spokesperson reported on Tuesday.
This is the first restriction of its kind since the Taliban took power in August 2021, leaving government offices, public institutions, private companies, and households in the region without access to the internet via cable. However, mobile internet service continues to operate.
Haji Attaullah Zaid, provincial government spokesperson, stated that cable internet access in Balkh was suspended by a "total ban" issued by Afghanistan's Supreme Leader, Taliban Hibatullah Akhundzada.
Los talibanes.
"This measure was taken to prevent immorality and an alternative will be built within the country to meet basic needs," Zaid told The Associated Press. He did not offer additional details about the choice of Balkh for the ban or about the possibility of it being extended to other provinces.
A resident of Balkh noticed connectivity problems at his home a few days ago and, when contacting his provider, he was told it was a technical issue that would be solved. "Blocking the internet is incomprehensible in such an advanced era," said the resident, who preferred to remain anonymous for fear of Taliban reprisals.
Los talibanes.
The man explained to The Associated Press that he rarely used mobile internet due to its slowness and high cost. Six people live in his home, including a student, and all depended on Wi-Fi for their daily activities. In addition, a fast and stable connection was crucial for his work, which involved interacting with people and companies outside Afghanistan.
"If this ban continues, it will not only harm my business but also others, since all our businesses are conducted through the internet," he said, adding: "We do business with people from the outside world and maintain relationships through it. I might have to move from Mazar-e-Sharif (the capital of Balkh) to another province because I can't afford the loss."
