Taliban Administration Denies Internet Shutdown Rumors in Afghanistan

The Taliban administration has dismissed rumors circulating on social media regarding an internet shutdown in Afghanistan, calling them baseless.

Inayatullah Alokozay, spokesman for the Taliban-run Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, stated on his official X (formerly Twitter) account that internet users should not worry about disruptions to online services, and emphasized that the claims are merely unfounded rumors spreading online.

In recent days, some social media users had speculated about the possibility of internet access being cut or restricted across the country, raising concerns among residents in several cities. However, the ministry spokesman asserted that internet services are currently operating normally.

Afghan users have frequently experienced slow or temporary interruptions in internet service in recent years, often sparking public frustration. These concerns are heightened by accusations against the Taliban administration of controlling and restricting access to information in certain parts of the country. Although Taliban officials have repeatedly denied such allegations, the lack of transparency in the information technology sector continues to raise serious concerns among citizens and media freedom watchdogs.