Afghanistan has slipped into near-total digital darkness after the Taliban ordered a sweeping internet shutdown, silencing both wired and mobile services nationwide.

What began on September 15 as regional restrictions in northern provinces such as Balkh, Kunduz, Badakhshan, Takhar, and Baghlan has now expanded into a blanket blackout.

By September 29, connectivity across the country had collapsed to just 14 percent of normal levels, according to real-time monitoring by Netblocks and Kentik. “A nationwide telecoms blackout is now in effect,” Netblocks confirmed, calling it a centrally coordinated move.

The Taliban say the decision is about morality. Attaullah Zaid, spokesperson for the Balkh provincial government, announced, “This measure was taken to prevent vice, and alternative option

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