Afghanistan Plunged into Internet Dark Ages as Nationwide Blackout Takes Hold

Afghanistan has been completely disconnected from the internet, according to monitoring groups, in a move that has left the country in digital isolation. The nationwide blackout comes two weeks after the Taliban, the militant group that controls large swaths of the country, shut down internet services in at least half a dozen provinces. At the time, the Taliban cited a desire to prevent "immoral acts" as the reason for the initial restrictions.The sudden and complete loss of internet access has significant implications for the country's already fragile economy, education system, and access to information. With the internet shut off, Afghans are unable to communicate with the outside world, access vital online services, or obtain critical information. The blackout has also raised concerns about the Taliban's efforts to restrict freedom of expression and access to information.The latest development has sparked fears that the Taliban is intensifying its efforts to control the flow of information in the country. The group has a history of cracking down on media and freedom of speech, and the internet shutdown is seen as a further attempt to limit the exchange of ideas and curtail online activism.As the situation continues to unfold, digital rights groups and international organizations are closely monitoring the situation, calling for the restoration of internet services and an end to the Taliban's censorship. The blackout has also raised questions about the international community's ability to communicate with Afghans, particularly in rural areas where access to information is already limited.The nationwide internet blackout is a significant escalation of the Taliban's efforts to control the digital landscape in Afghanistan, and it remains to be seen how long the country will remain disconnected from the global online community.