Afghanistan Restricts Mobile Access to Facebook and Instagram: Watchdog

 

Kabul, October 9, 2025 —

Access to several social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat, has been “deliberately restricted” across Afghanistan, according to internet watchdog NetBlocks.

 

 

 

 

Journalists from the AFP news agency reported that since Tuesday, access to these platforms via smartphones has been only partially available. The development follows last week’s 48-hour nationwide suspension of internet and phone services ordered by Taliban authorities.

 

 

 

 

AFP correspondents in multiple provinces confirmed that mobile users are unable to access major social media applications, while internet speeds remain significantly slower than usual.

 

 

 

The Taliban government has not responded to AFP’s requests for comment on the restrictions.

Observers say the move appears to be part of the Taliban’s increasing control over online communication and information flow in the country, limiting freedom of expression and access to global platforms.

 

 

 

NetBlocks, which monitors internet freedom worldwide, said data indicates that the restrictions are intentional and centrally enforced, affecting most mobile networks across Afghanistan.

Source: AFP / NetBlocks