Poll: Majority of Afghanistan Back Strong Response to Taliban’s Internet Shutdown

DID Press: Following nationwide internet blackout in Afghanistan, DID Press conducted two rounds of public surveys among its users and readers, the second of which was held on Tuesday morning, shortly before limited internet connectivity was restored across the country.

Although the timing makes publication of the poll results largely symbolic, DID Press has released the findings out of respect for the respondents.

According to the poll results, a majority of Afghanistan citizens believe that confronting Taliban’s internet shutdown requires a combined approach—including international pressure, civil protests, and the use of alternative communication tools.

The internet blackout has once again brought Afghanistan’s digital freedoms and the right to access information into sharp focus. Respondents were asked: “What actions should Afghanistan people and international organizations take in response to the Taliban’s nationwide internet shutdown?”

The results show that 48% of participants favor a comprehensive response combining diplomatic and human rights pressure, public demonstrations, and alternative connectivity tools.

Meanwhile, 24% emphasized the importance of international diplomatic and human rights pressure, and 22% prioritized domestic civil protests and advocacy. Only 6% considered technical workarounds—such as VPNs or satellite connections—sufficient on their own.

The findings reflect a growing public consensus that a multi-pronged and coordinated strategy is the most effective way to defend Afghanistan’s digital rights and resist the Taliban’s expanding restrictions on freedom of information.