25
The Taliban's morality measures refer to a series of policies aimed at enforcing their interpretation of Islamic law. These measures often include restrictions on behavior deemed immoral, such as prohibiting certain forms of entertainment, dress codes, and now, internet access. The recent internet blackout is framed as a way to prevent 'vice,' reflecting their commitment to controlling public conduct according to their ideological beliefs.
For many Afghan women, internet access is crucial for education, communication, and employment opportunities. The internet has served as a lifeline, enabling them to access resources, connect with others, and advocate for their rights. The Taliban's recent shutdown threatens to isolate women further, hindering their ability to pursue education and participate in society, effectively stripping away their newfound freedoms since the fall of the previous regime.
The Taliban first rose to power in the mid-1990s amid the chaos following the Soviet-Afghan War and the subsequent civil war. They promised stability and the enforcement of strict Islamic law. After being ousted by U.S.-led forces in 2001, they regrouped and gradually regained control, culminating in their takeover of Kabul in August 2021. Their return has been marked by a focus on implementing their strict interpretation of Sharia law.
Historically, regimes have varied in their approach to internet access. Authoritarian governments often restrict access to control information and suppress dissent, as seen in countries like North Korea and Iran. In contrast, democratic regimes typically promote internet freedom as a tool for communication and civic engagement. The Taliban's approach aligns with authoritarian practices, prioritizing control over access to information.
Netblocks is a digital rights organization that monitors internet freedom globally, providing real-time data on internet disruptions. They use advanced technology to track and report on outages, helping to raise awareness of government-imposed blackouts and censorship. Their monitoring of the Taliban's internet shutdown in Afghanistan highlights the impact on civil liberties and informs international responses.
A communications blackout can have profound effects on society, disrupting daily life, economic activities, and access to information. It can hinder emergency services, isolate communities, and impede businesses that rely on internet connectivity. In Afghanistan, the blackout has left millions cut off from global communications, exacerbating existing challenges and limiting the population's ability to engage with the outside world.
Global reactions to the Taliban's internet blackout have included condemnation from human rights organizations and calls for immediate restoration of services. The United Nations has urged the Taliban to restore access, emphasizing the importance of communication for humanitarian efforts and the well-being of Afghan citizens. International media has also highlighted the implications for civil liberties and the rights of women.
Historical precedents for internet bans are found in various authoritarian regimes. For example, during the Arab Spring, several governments shut down internet access to quell protests. In Egypt, the government cut off internet services in 2011 to suppress dissent. Similarly, in Iran, authorities have restricted internet access during protests. These actions reflect a common strategy to control information and limit public mobilization.
The UN has expressed serious concern over the Taliban's actions, particularly regarding the impact of the internet blackout on human rights and humanitarian efforts. The UN mission in Afghanistan has called for the immediate restoration of internet and telecommunications access, emphasizing that such services are vital for communication, aid delivery, and the overall well-being of the Afghan population.
Technologies used to monitor internet access include network measurement tools that analyze traffic patterns, detect outages, and assess the extent of censorship. Organizations like Netblocks utilize software that tracks changes in connectivity and can identify disruptions in real-time. Additionally, satellite imagery and data from telecommunications providers are often employed to gauge the status of internet infrastructure during blackouts.
