Internet access returns to Afghanistan after Taliban blackout

Internet and telecom services are being restored in Afghanistan after a nationwide shutdown by the Taliban government provoked widespread condemnation.

Local reporters said communications were resuming across provinces while internet monitor Netblocks said live network data was showing a "partial restoration" of connectivity.

The 48-hour blackout disrupted businesses and flights, limited access to emergency services and raised fears about further isolating women and girls whose rights have severely eroded since the Taliban swept to power in 2021.

The Taliban have not given an official explanation for the shutdown.

However, last month a spokesperson for the Taliban governor in the northern province of Balkh said internet access was being blocked "for the prevention of vices".

Since coming to power, the Taliban have imposed numerous restrictions in accordance with their interpretation of Islamic Sharia law.

Afghan women have told the BBC that the internet is a lifeline to the outside world since the Taliban banned girls over the age of 12 from getting an education.

Women's job options have also been severely restricted and in September, books written by women were removed from universities.

Following the internet shutdown on Monday, the United Nations said it left Afghanistan almost completely cut off from the outside world. It added that it risked "inflicting significant harm on the Afghan people, including by threatening economic stability and exacerbating one of the world's worst humanitarian crises".