‘Total internet blackout’ in Afghanistan sparks panic after Taliban vowed to stamp out immoral activities

Wakil Kohsar/AFP/Getty Images via CNN Newsource

(CNN) — Afghanistan faced a sweeping internet blackout on Tuesday after the ruling Taliban vowed to cut off access as part of a crackdown on “immoral activities,” sparking fears of further isolation for millions living under their increasingly harsh rule.

Internet watchdog Netblocks said late Monday that multiple networks in Afghanistan had been disconnected and that telephone services had also been impacted, resulting in what it said was a “total internet blackout” in the nation of 43 million people.

Afghans abroad told CNN they were unable to reach family members inside the country and on Tuesday morning flight data showed several incoming flights to Kabul were cancelled.

“From yesterday there is no communication with a single person,