Taliban turn off internet for all of Afghanistan to 'prevent immoral behaviour'

"This measure was taken to prevent immorality and an alternative will be built within the country for necessities,"

"No notice was given today, but sporadic bans here and there were rolling out over the past few weeks in parts of the country,"

"The aim, according to the de facto authorities, is to prevent vice."

"concern about people accessing pornographic content inside Afghanistan"

The Taliban enacted a nationwide shutdown of mobile, broadband and satellite services, producing the first countrywide internet blackout under the hardline government. The disruption affected satellite television broadcasts, hospital systems, government and private offices, and caused at least five flights to be cancelled at Kabul airport. The blackout followed a decree by supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada ordering a "complete internet ban" after initial disruptions in provinces like Balkh. Officials described the measure as intended to prevent immorality and vice while building alternative domestic services. Messaging apps and news bureaus were unreachable and UN and journalists noted prior sporadic bans.

Read at Irish Independent