Afghanistan: Temporary ban on WhatsApp and Telegram

Event

The Afghan government has imposed a temporary ban on WhatsApp and Telegram communication platforms for a period of 20 days, starting November 1. It remains unclear why the government has decided to enact the ban. According to media reports, the ban was originally implemented at the request of the secret service, although an intelligence official has since denied this claim. Meanwhile, the deputy director of the telecoms regulatory authority affirmed the ban was in response to security concerns, while the Ministry of Communications claimed the ban was necessary while a new communications app is introduced, after users complained about the service provided by WhatsApp.

A number of Facebook and Twitter accounts have also been temporarily suspended. The decision has been criticized by civil rights activists and social media users, who accuse the government of censorship and violating personal privacy. 

Context

This decision comes as the Afghan government continues to affirm its commitment to protecting freedom of expression. Although the reason behind the decision to impose the ban remains unclear, media reports have pointed to the extensive usage of Whatsapp and Telegram by Taliban groups and various Islamist insurgent groups.

Advice

Individuals present in Afghanistan are advised to take these recent communications suspensions into account and to plan accordingly. Due to major security concerns, many Western governments advise their citizens against travel to Afghanistan due to the high threat of kidnapping and terrorism, including frequent attacks against Afghan National Defense and Security Forces, local civilians and politicians, and individuals working in the humanitarian and reconstruction fields. Travel to the country should only be undertaken with proper security protocols in place.