Instagram Access Restricted in Kabul and Several Other Afghan Cities
Since Tuesday noon, residents of Kabul and several other cities in Afghanistan have faced restrictions accessing the social media platform Instagram. According to users, the application is only accessible through the use of VPNs.
Local sources say it remains unclear which authority is responsible for this action and why the restriction has been imposed; however, the Taliban administration has carried out similar measures in the past. Previously, the TikTok app and the PUBG game were also blocked nationwide under orders from this administration.
The Taliban administration and the Ministry of Communications under their control have yet to provide any official clarification regarding the cause or objective of this latest restriction. The repeated limitations on online spaces and applications have raised concerns among users and freedom of expression analysts.
Recently, the Taliban administration cut off internet and mobile network services across Afghanistan for two consecutive days, an action that prompted widespread reactions from users, civil activists, and human rights organizations. Nevertheless, the Taliban have consistently remained silent and unaccountable regarding such restrictive measures.
