Taliban Shuts Nationwide Internet but Keeps Access for Business Networks

DID Press: British newspaper The Register reports that while the Taliban government has shut down nationwide internet access, it continues to provide limited connectivity to individuals close to its leadership and to its commercial networks. Observers say this measure is linked to the group’s ongoing reliance on revenue from drug trafficking.

According to The Register on Wednesday, October 1, despite a complete telecommunications blackout in Afghanistan, the Taliban has maintained special internet access for select circles near its leadership—following a model seen in other closed countries such as North Korea.

The report emphasizes that in order to sustain illicit business operations and secure revenue from narcotics trafficking, the Taliban has had to keep portions of the internet available to key figures and trading channels.

The total internet shutdown has had wide-ranging consequences on everyday life, further isolating Afghanistan. The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) expressed deep concern, warning that the continued blackout endangers citizens’ lives and cripples humanitarian aid operations.

These developments come as many Afghan citizens are cut off from information, education, healthcare services, and communication with the outside world. The internet blackout has deepened the gap between the Afghan population and the international community more than ever.