In a sweeping move that has sparked concerns over growing restrictions in Afghanistan, the Taliban administration has imposed a ban on the use of smartphones by government officials, with reports emerging of authorities confiscating and destroying devices belonging to those who violate the directive. The decision, announced through an order issued by the Taliban’s military courts, is being viewed by analysts as a possible precursor to wider restrictions on digital communication across the country.
According to the directive, the prohibition applies to government personnel at all levels, including senior officials, lower-ranking employees, fighters and support staff. The order warns that anyone found using a smartphone could face the confiscation and destruction of the device along with legal and religious penalties. Any exemptions from the ban reportedly require explicit written approval from Taliban supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada.
Videos circulating online appear to show Taliban officials reading out the order while other individuals smash mobile phones, highlighting the seriousness with which the directive is being enforced. While the Taliban has not publicly commented on the reports, sources inside Afghanistan indicate that implementation varies across different regions. In some areas the restrictions apply only to government employees, while elsewhere local authorities have reportedly extended the ban to teachers, students, medical workers, women and ordinary civilians.
Observers say the move comes amid increasing efforts by the Taliban to tighten control over the flow of information and public communication. Last year, authorities briefly shut down internet services across the country, citing concerns about morality. The blackout disrupted businesses, banking operations, emergency services and transportation before connectivity was restored. Analysts believe that experience exposed the economic and administrative challenges of implementing broad technology restrictions.
Experts point to several factors that may have contributed to the smartphone ban. One is the spread of videos documenting recent protests in the western city of Herat, where demonstrations erupted following the detention of women and girls over alleged violations of Taliban dress codes. Footage from the protests circulated widely online despite efforts by authorities to control the narrative, drawing significant attention both inside and outside Afghanistan.
Another concern for the Taliban appears to be the leakage of internal government information. Analysts say officials have frequently used smartphones to photograph documents and record meetings, resulting in sensitive material finding its way into the public domain before receiving official approval. Authorities are also reportedly worried that excessive smartphone use is affecting workplace productivity among government employees.
Government workers in Herat told journalists that restrictions on smartphones had already been in place for several months. Some claimed that officials confiscated and destroyed devices after employees ignored warnings against bringing phones into government offices.
Human rights observers and Afghanistan analysts have expressed concern that the directive could mark the beginning of broader limitations on access to digital technology and information in a country where personal freedoms have already been significantly curtailed since the Taliban returned to power in 2021. While authorities have presented the measure as a way to improve discipline and prevent information leaks, critics argue that it reflects an expanding effort to control communication and suppress dissent.
