Taliban Administration Bans Smartphone Use Among Military and Administrative Personnel
The Taliban Supreme Court has issued an official written order to military courts across eight zones in the country, prohibiting the use of smartphones by all military and administrative personnel. The order warns that violators will face punishment.
According to the document, a copy of which has been obtained by media outlets, the General Directorate of Security and Awareness of the Taliban military courts stated that it has received reports indicating that some forces and employees continue to use smartphones. The document emphasizes that continuing this practice violates the leadership’s directive.
The letter states that starting from the first day of the month of Muharram 1447 in the Islamic calendar, corresponding to June 26, 2026, anyone who disobeys this order will have their smartphone destroyed, and if necessary, will also face “religious and legal” actions. This threat of punishment reflects the Taliban administration’s strict approach towards the use of modern communication devices among its forces.
The Taliban Supreme Court further emphasized that military court officials are obligated to communicate this directive to all their subordinate employees and forces through meetings and administrative sessions and to strictly monitor its implementation.
The document also specifies that in exceptional cases, if an office requires the use of smartphones due to “necessity,” it must seek official permission from the office of Hibatullah Akhundzada, the leader of the Taliban administration.
This decision comes amid similar restrictions imposed in previous years by the Taliban administration on both forces and civilians in various sectors, which has consistently raised concerns about increased control and limitations on access to communication tools.
