Afghanistan Imposes Smartphone Restrictions
This week, the Taliban movement enacted a directive prohibiting the use of smartphones by its fighters and all government employees across Afghanistan. Issued by the group's military courts, the ban covers every level of personnel, from senior officials and commanders to ordinary fighters and support staff. Any exceptions to this rule must be explicitly authorized in writing by the supreme leader, Haibatullah Akhundzada.
Violators face severe consequences: their mobile device will be destroyed, and they will be subjected to Sharia punishment. Enforcement varies by region:
- In some areas, the rule applies only to government officials,
- Elsewhere, it extends to women, civilians, medical workers, teachers, and students.
In Herat province, two civil servants reported that an informal phone ban had already been in place for several months. They said devices were prohibited at workplaces, and any phones found were confiscated and smashed. One employee estimated his personal loss at 8,000 Afghanis (roughly 127 USD).
The smartphone ban raises concerns about internal information leaks, as officials often use their phones to photograph documents or record meetings—content that sometimes reaches the public before official approval. There are also worries about declining productivity among state workers due to constant gadget use.
Social Impact and Protests
In September 2025, the Taliban cut internet access across Afghanistan, paralyzing the banking sector, aviation, and emergency services. Connectivity was restored after several days. Meanwhile, in the western city of Herat, protests erupted following the arrest of women for improper hijab; during the demonstrations, fighters opened fire on the crowd, killing at least two people.
“If anyone uses such a device, their mobile phone will be destroyed, and a lawful Sharia punishment will be imposed on the violator.”
The introduction of the smartphone ban highlights the Taliban's tightening grip on society and state institutions. This decision could significantly disrupt government operations by limiting access to information and communication, complicating the performance of official duties. It also underscores the growing tension between traditional norms and modern technology in a country undergoing profound social and political change.