Afghan mobile access to Facebook, Instagram intentionally restricted: watchdog

 Access to several social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat, has been intentionally restricted in Afghanistan, according to internet watchdog NetBlocks. This move follows a 48-hour nationwide telecommunications blackout that occurred last week. Since Tuesday, users across various provinces have reported intermittent access to these platforms on mobile devices, with significantly reduced internet speeds. The restrictions appear to be deliberate, as NetBlocks noted that the recent blackout “appears consistent with the intentional disconnection of service” 

While the Taliban administration has not officially commented on the reasons behind these restrictions, previous actions suggest a pattern of limiting access to platforms deemed inconsistent with their interpretation of Islamic values. For instance, in September 2025, the Taliban imposed a ban on fiber-optic networks and Wi-Fi services in several provinces, citing the prevention of “immoral activities” as the rationale 

These ongoing restrictions have raised concerns among Afghan citizens and international observers about the erosion of digital freedoms and the suppression of free expression in the country.

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