cross-posted from: https://scribe.disroot.org/post/4824110

The country is currently experiencing a “total internet blackout” according to internet watchdog Netblocks - a move that has paralysed the country’s essential services.

International news agencies say they have lost contact with offices in the capital Kabul. Mobile internet and satellite TV has also been severely disrupted across Afghanistan. Flights from Kabul airport have also been disrupted, according to local media reports.

Anas, a money changer in Takhar province, says his business has faced “enormous problems” since the internet shutdown, saying that much of his work depends on the internet.

“Our business has been affected by about 90%,” he says. “Yesterday, my brother who is also my business partner tried to send an email to a client. He couldn’t get it through.”

But his main concern are his three daughters - all of whom used to take online classes.

"The night before, we heard the Taliban had cut internet access in Mazar, and my eldest daughter came to me with tears in her eyes and said she feared the same would happen here.

“Their last opportunity to study is now gone. Seeing my children so helpless… [that was] the hardest for me. Only God knows what will happen to them and to me.”

  • palordrolap@fedia.io
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    15 hours ago

    I kind of want that to mean we can now insult and impugn the Taliban on the internet without fear of retribution but 1) that’d be cruel even if they are wilfully backward, 2) it would undoubtedly devolve into racism and Islamophobia from the less bright among us, and 3) you can bet the top brass of the Taliban won’t have given it up.

    I bet at least one of them is a closet Swiftie.

    • Mika@piefed.ca
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      8 hours ago

      There is nothing wrong with insulting authoritarian shitholes without civil rights.