Afghanistan's Taliban government has ordered a nationwide ban on smartphone use for all civil servants, including judges, effective June 16. Violators will face punishment and have their phones destroyed. Rights activists warn this could further restrict access to information.
The ban on smartphone use for civil servants in Afghanistan represents another step by the Taliban to tighten control over public life, potentially limiting access to information and communication for a population already facing severe restrictions.
Afghanistan's Taliban government has implemented a nationwide ban on smartphone use for all civil servants, including judges, according to a military court order seen by Reuters. The prohibition, effective from June 16, stipulates that violators will have their cellphones destroyed and face legal punishment.
Government employees have reported that the restriction has significantly disrupted official work, with some provincial authorities already enforcing the ban. Many administrative processes have reportedly come to a halt as most official tasks were previously conducted via mobile phones, including WhatsApp and email.
Rights advocates have voiced concerns that the ban could further curtail Afghans' access to essential tools for education, documentation of abuses, private communication, and uncensored information. Sanam Kabiri, a women's rights activist, stated that prohibiting smartphone use in government offices might extend beyond administrative order to restricting access to information and communication.