WiFi ban to curb 'immorality': Taliban blocks fibre internet in Afghan province; orders 'complete ban'

The Taliban have imposed a complete ban on fibre optic internet in northern Afghanistan’s Balkh province , a move officials say is aimed at curbing “immorality.”

The restriction, announced Tuesday, marks the first such action since the group seized power in August 2021. The ban has cut off Wi-Fi access for government departments, private businesses, public institutions, and households across Balkh, reported AP. However, mobile internet services remain operational.

Haji Attaullah Zaid, spokesman for the provincial administration, said the decision was taken on the orders of Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada . “This measure was taken to prevent immorality, and an alternative will be built within the country for necessities,” he told the Associated Press, without elaborating on why Balkh was singled out or whether the ban would extend to other provinces.

Afghan authorities have previously suspended mobile networks temporarily, mostly during religious festivals, to prevent militants from detonating explosive devices. However, a permanent shutdown of fibre internet is unprecedented under Taliban rule.