Kabul, Afghanistan: The Taliban has ordered a broad ban on smartphone use by government officials, a move that analysts say could signal wider restrictions in the future.
According to a directive issued by the Taliban’s military courts, the ban came into effect this week and applies to all government personnel, including senior officials, junior staff, members of the security forces, and support workers.
The order warns that anyone found using a smartphone will have the device destroyed and could face legal and Sharia-based penalties. The directive also states that exemptions can only be granted through a written decree from Taliban supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada.
Videos circulating online appear to show Taliban officials enforcing the order, including footage of mobile phones being smashed following the announcement of the ban. Reports from within Afghanistan indicate that implementation has varied across regions.
In some areas, the restrictions reportedly apply only to government employees, while in others they have been extended to women, civilians, healthcare workers, teachers, and students.
Analysts monitoring developments in Afghanistan suggest the uneven enforcement may indicate local authorities are applying their own interpretations of the directive.
Some believe the restrictions could be a trial phase before the introduction of a broader nationwide ban on smartphones. The move follows a series of efforts by the Taliban to tighten control over internet access and digital communications.
In September, authorities imposed a two-day internet blackout, citing efforts to ‘prevent immorality’ and concerns related to online content. The shutdown disrupted business activity, banking services, emergency operations, and aviation across the country before internet access was restored.
Observers believe several factors may be driving the latest smartphone restrictions. One is the circulation of videos from protests in the western city of Herat, which erupted after the arrest of women and girls accused of violating hijab rules.
Footage from the demonstrations appeared to show Taliban forces firing into crowds, resulting in at least two deaths. Analysts say the spread of those videos challenged official narratives and heightened concerns within the Taliban leadership.
At the same time, concerns over information leaks and workplace productivity have also reportedly influenced the decision. Government employees have allegedly used smartphones to photograph official documents and record meetings, allowing sensitive information to reach the public before receiving final approval from senior leadership.
In Herat, some government workers reported that smartphone restrictions had already been in place for months. Employees claimed authorities confiscated and destroyed devices belonging to staff who ignored earlier instructions not to bring smartphones into government offices.
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