Taliban bans use of smartphones by Afghan officials

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Taliban forces

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The Taliban leadership in Afghanistan has issued a directive prohibiting the use of smartphones by government officials, including personnel in education and health institutions, according to a United Nations report.

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The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said this in its quarterly report released on Tuesday, stating that the order was issued on June 15.

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According to the report, the directive stipulates that the use of smartphones is punishable by dismissal from service and possible legal action.

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UNAMA said implementation of the order has varied across Taliban departments, with some interpreting it as a ban on smartphone use within offices and others enforcing a complete prohibition on personal smartphone possession.

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The report noted that employees’ smartphones were confiscated and destroyed in some government offices as part of efforts to enforce compliance.

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In spite of the restrictions, Taliban government spokespersons have continued to use social media platforms to publicise the activities of their respective administrations.

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The report added that there have been no restrictions on computer use, which remained permitted across government institutions.

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UNAMA said it remained unclear whether the directive applied to all government officials or was limited to Taliban security personnel.

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The directive was initially reported to have been announced by the military deputy of the Supreme Court.

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Following reports of the ban in June, videos circulated on social media showing Taliban members destroying their smartphones as part of a campaign to demonstrate obedience to the directive.

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Taliban members remain active on social media, particularly on X, where they use online platforms to advance what they describe as a “media war” against their opponents.

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Smartphones are widely regarded as a key means of communication in Afghanistan.

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(dpa/NAN)

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