Afghanistan Restricts Access to Social Media on Smartphones
Kabul, Afghanistan - September 10, 2025
The Taliban-led government of Afghanistan has restricted access to several major social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat, leaving many residents in the country without access to these online services.
According to NetBlocks, a global internet monitor, metrics show that these social media platforms are now restricted on multiple providers in Afghanistan. The restrictions were first reported by local broadcaster Ariana News late Monday evening, with some users experiencing complete cuts in access, while others had slow or intermittent service.
"It's like they're trying to control our lives," said a resident of Kabul, who wished to remain anonymous. "We use social media to stay connected with family and friends abroad, but now it's like we're cut off from the world."
A resident of Mazar-i-Sharif, a city in northern Afghanistan, echoed similar sentiments. "I was trying to access Instagram to share photos of my daughter's birthday party, but I couldn't even get on," she said. "It's frustrating and isolating."
The restrictions come as no surprise to many Afghans, who have grown accustomed to the Taliban's strict control over online activity. In 2022, the government banned access to TikTok, citing concerns over "immorality" and "decadence." However, this latest move has sparked widespread criticism from human rights groups and social media users.
"This is a clear attempt by the Taliban to suppress free speech and limit access to information," said a spokesperson for Human Rights Watch. "Social media platforms are essential tools for people to express themselves and connect with others, and restricting access to them is a form of censorship."
Despite the restrictions, some social media platforms remain accessible in Afghanistan, including WhatsApp and X (formerly known as Twitter). However, many users have reported using virtual private networks (VPNs) to bypass internet restrictions.
The Taliban has not commented on the reasons behind the restrictions, but experts say it may be an attempt to control the narrative and suppress dissenting voices. "The government is trying to limit access to information that could potentially undermine their authority," said a local analyst. "By restricting social media platforms, they're trying to create a sense of isolation and disconnection among the population."
As the situation continues to unfold, many Afghans are left wondering what this means for their online lives and their ability to connect with others around the world.
"We just want to be able to communicate freely and share our stories without fear of censorship," said the resident of Kabul. "We hope that the government will reconsider these restrictions and allow us to access social media platforms like everyone else."
The situation in Afghanistan is a complex one, with many factors at play. As the country continues to navigate its post-conflict landscape, it remains to be seen how this latest move by the Taliban will impact the lives of Afghans and their ability to connect with others online.
In related news, the United Nations has expressed concern over the restrictions, calling on the government to respect human rights and ensure access to information. The international community is closely watching the situation, as it may have far-reaching implications for freedom of expression and online communication around the world.
*Reporting by Dw.*
