Taliban imposes internet shutdown in Afghanistan | BBC News

Afghanistan Telecom Blackout: Summary

Key Concepts:

• Nationwide communications shutdown in Afghanistan
• Taliban's rationale of "curbing evils"
• Impact on businesses, banking, aviation, remittances, and education
• Flight cancellations and disruption of online education for women

Overview of the Shutdown

Afghanistan is experiencing a total telecommunications blackout, including both internet and mobile phone networks. The shutdown began with gradual weakening of internet access around Monday afternoon, according to internet monitors like Net Blocks. This follows earlier bans and cuts in different provinces throughout September. The current shutdown is more comprehensive, affecting mobile networks in addition to internet access.

Reasons for the Shutdown

The Taliban has not provided an official reason for the nationwide shutdown. However, a spokesperson earlier in the month, when fiber networks were cut off in some provinces, stated that the decision came from the supreme leader and was aimed at "curbing evils."

Impact on Afghanistan

The communications blackout is having a significant impact on various aspects of life in Afghanistan:

• Businesses: Concerns exist about the impact on business operations.
• Banking: Banking services are likely to be disrupted.
• Aviation: Flight Radar has shown flight cancellations, and the BBC team has confirmed reports of flight cancellations affecting travel to and from Afghanistan.
• Remittances: The ability of people to send money into the country is affected.
• Internal Communications: Communication within the country is severely hampered.
• Education: Girls and women over the age of 12 are unable to attend school. The internet provided a means for some women to continue their education. One woman interviewed by the BBC team expressed that the shutdown has halted her dream of pursuing further education and potentially securing an online job.

Real-World Examples

• Flight Cancellations: Flight Radar data and BBC reports confirm flight cancellations due to the communications blackout.
• Online Education Disruption: A woman interviewed by the BBC team stated that the shutdown has ended her ability to continue her education online.

Future Outlook

The duration of the internet outage remains uncertain. There is a "real desperation" among people outside Afghanistan to contact loved ones inside the country. Afghan families abroad are concerned about sending remittances to Afghanistan.

Notable Quotes

• Taliban spokesperson: The shutdown is about "curbing evils."
• Woman interviewed by BBC: The shutdown has stopped her dream of continuing her education and getting an online job.

Conclusion

The Taliban's nationwide communications shutdown in Afghanistan is having a far-reaching impact on the country's economy, infrastructure, and the lives of its citizens, particularly women seeking education. The lack of official explanation and the indefinite duration of the shutdown are causing widespread concern and uncertainty.