KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – The Taliban have restricted access to major social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat across Afghanistan, internet watchdog NetBlocks confirmed Wednesday.
NetBlocks, which monitors internet connectivity and cybersecurity worldwide, said its metrics show an “intentional restriction” affecting multiple mobile internet providers and some fixed-line networks across the country.
Users in Kabul, Herat, and other provinces have reported difficulties accessing Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat since Tuesday evening. Many said they were only able to reach these platforms using virtual private networks (VPNs), which allow users to bypass local restrictions. Reports indicate that the disruption primarily affects mobile data networks operated by Afghan Wireless, Etisalat, and Salam, while some home and office connections remain functional.
A source within the Taliban’s Ministry of Communication and Information Technology also confirmed that specific social media platforms have been filtered nationwide. The source did not specify the reason or duration of the restriction.
The Taliban have not yet issued an official statement on the decision. The restriction follows reports that authorities abandoned plans for a nationwide internet shutdown and instead moved to limit access to specific platforms.
Last week, the Taliban cut internet and telecommunication services across Afghanistan for 48 hours without explanation. The outage, which began Monday and lasted two days, was reportedly ordered by the Taliban’s supreme leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada, who has described the internet as a source of “immorality and corruption.”
The outage effectively cut Afghanistan off from the outside world. It disrupted banking systems, government offices, hospitals, flights, online education, media operations, and humanitarian aid activities.
The United Nations, international rights groups, and Afghan activists have condemned the blackout, warning that such measures endanger lives and undermine access to information, communication, and essential services across the country.
