The Taliban have reportedly ordered government and military employees in Afghanistan to stop using smartphones, with violators facing device confiscation and possible legal action after 27 June. The move, reported by several Afghanistan-focused media outlets, is seen by critics as part of a broader effort to restrict information flows and tighten control over communications.
According to reports published on 10 and 11 June, a letter allegedly sent by the Taliban-run Supreme Court to military courts instructed authorities to enforce a smartphone ban among government personnel. Employees found using smartphones after the deadline could face legal consequences, while exceptions would require official approval from Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada’s office.
The reported directive follows earlier warnings from Taliban authorities that some military and civilian employees were continuing to use smartphones despite previous instructions. The Taliban have not publicly explained the reason for the measure.
Separate reports showed Taliban members in Logar destroying their smartphones, while Herat University reportedly began enforcing a similar ban on staff and officials, citing an oral order from Akhundzada. The restrictions were introduced amid reports of arrests of women in Herat over alleged violations of hijab rules and the suppression of subsequent protests.
Critics argue that the restrictions are aimed at limiting the spread of information. Afghan journalist and activist Bilal Sarwary described the move as a form of censorship, while other commentators said smartphones enable rapid dissemination of photos, videos and reports that could expose events inside government institutions.
The reported ban is the latest in a series of Taliban efforts to restrict access to smartphones and communications technology since returning to power. In 2022, authorities reportedly prohibited smartphone use among Taliban fighters and civil servants in Panjshir. The restrictions were expanded in 2023, and in 2025 the Taliban-run Ministry of Higher Education reportedly barred junior employees in universities and religious institutions from using smartphones at work. Those measures followed a nationwide 48-hour internet and telecommunications blackout.
If fully implemented, the latest restrictions could further limit access to digital communications within government institutions and universities. Critics warn the measures may reduce the flow of information from Afghanistan, while reinforcing the Taliban’s control over internal communications and public reporting.
