Taliban shuts internet, women and businesses bear the brunt

The Taliban government in Afghanistan has ordered a shutdown of fibre-optic internet across several provinces, claiming the move is intended to prevent “vice” and “immoral activities.” This decision highlights the regime’s strict interpretation of religion as the foundation of governance, where state policies are directly dictated by religious doctrine, leaving little room for secularism or the separation of religion and state. Critics argue that this approach not only curtails freedom of expression but also isolates Afghan citizens from essential services and global engagement. International bodies, including the World Bank’s Digital CASA project, UN agencies, and digital rights NGOs such as Access Now and Tech Transition, have previously funded internet access, digital education, and online programs, but the shutdown now threatens these initiatives.

The affected regions include Balkh, Baghlan, Badakhshan, Kunduz, Nangarhar, Takhar, and parts of Parwan. While mobile data services remain partially operational, the loss of stable broadband has disrupted education, business, and communication nationwide. Women and girls, who are already barred from most in-person schooling, are disproportionately impacted, losing access to online courses, digital literacy programs, and vocational training that were among their few remaining pathways to education and employment. Businesses across multiple sectors are also affected: banks and financial institutions face disrupted transactions and interbank communications, airlines and logistics services encounter operational challenges, telecommunications and IT companies see service interruptions, and women-led e-commerce and retail ventures risk severe revenue losses.

Global internet watchdog NetBlocks confirmed widespread connectivity disruptions and warned that the shutdown “poses a severe threat to freedom of expression, access to education, and the flow of independent information.” Access Now condemned the move as “a calculated step toward total information control,” emphasizing that women and girls are disproportionately affected. Analysts warn that the blackout deepens gender inequality, isolating women from educational and professional opportunities while also stifling economic activity in critical sectors.

Since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, international donors have provided significant aid to Afghanistan: the United States has contributed over $3.7 billion, the World Bank more than $1.7 billion, the United Nations approximately $2.9 billion, and the European Union €161 million in 2025 alone, targeting humanitarian needs, education, and women-focused programs. These efforts have been vital in sustaining services and preventing economic collapse, but the internet restrictions threaten to undo years of progress in women’s empowerment, digital access, and the functioning of essential industries. The shutdown reflects a broader tension in Afghanistan between religiously driven governance and the modern needs of society, raising urgent concerns about the country’s future development and the rights of its citizens.