The Taliban authorities have imposed a nationwide communications shutdown across Afghanistan, drastically reducing internet connectivity to less than one percent of normal levels according to internet watchdog Netblocks. This decision follows weeks of the Taliban severing fibre optic connections to prevent "vice," impacting banking, customs, and all communications.

• Netblocks reported connectivity operating at less than one percent of normal levels, calling it a "comprehensive, or total blackout."
• A government official anonymously told AFP the shutdown would last "until further notice" and affect eight to nine thousand telecommunications pillars.
• This is the first time since the Taliban regained power in 2021 that communications have been shut down in the country.