Social Media Content Restrictions In Afghanistan: Fear Of Possible Social Media Shutdown
Access to all social media platforms has been restricted in Afghanistan after last week’s general 48-hour blackout, which left the citizens confused and panicking.
The 48-hour blackout disrupted businesses and flights, limited access to emergency services and raised fears about further isolating women and girls whose rights have been severely eroded since the hardline Islamist group swept back to power in 2021.
Restrictions have been placed on content on some social media platforms in Afghanistan, Taliban government sources told BBC Afghan.
Filters have been applied to restrict certain types of content on sites including Facebook, Instagram and X, the sources at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology said.
It is unclear exactly what types of posts are subject to filtering. However, citizens mainly complained of being unable to view pictures. Those who used VPN complained that it was generally too slow.
These restrictions on social media content came a week after internet and telecommunications services were cut off across the country for two days.
The end of the blackout brought smiles to their faces, as it had caused problems earlier.
Since Tuesday, Social media users in Afghanistan have been complaining about limited access to various platforms in different provinces.
A Taliban government source said, “Some sort of controls have been applied to restrict certain types of content on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and X.
“We hope this time there won’t be a full ban on the internet.
“The filtering is almost applied for the whole county and most provinces are covered now.”
Taliban government officials have yet to provide a formal explanation regarding the restrictions.
Cybersecurity organisation NetBlocks said, “restrictions are now confirmed on multiple providers, the pattern shows an intentional restriction”. Social sites have been intermittently accessible on smartphones, according to the news agency AFP.