The restriction of access to popular social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and Snapchat in Afghanistan signals a new and stricter phase of internet censorship in the country. The internet monitoring organization NetBlocks confirmed on October 8 that these platforms have been restricted by several service providers.
According to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, users across various regions of Afghanistan, including the capital Kabul, can now access social media only through a VPN (Virtual Private Network). These restrictions were implemented following the large-scale internet blackout that occurred last week.
While the Taliban government has stated that the internet restrictions are intended to "protect moral standards" in the country, international organizations and human rights defenders have strongly criticized this move. As noted by The Washington Post, rights advocates emphasize that such restrictions worsen the already dire humanitarian situation in the country and severely limit women’s access to education and employment opportunities.
These measures have led to a significant violation of freedom of information and digital rights in Afghanistan.
