Taliban Enforce Smartphone Ban for Officials

The Taliban administration has issued a directive prohibiting government officials from using smartphones, a move currently being enforced through the destruction of confiscated devices. The order, issued by military courts this week, applies to all personnel ranging from service staff to high-ranking officials, with violators facing both property destruction and potential legal or Sharia-based penalties.

The policy is driven by internal concerns regarding information security and workplace productivity. Officials have cited the unauthorized recording of meetings and the leaking of sensitive documents as primary motivations for the restriction. Furthermore, the administration seeks to curb non-work-related digital activity among staff, which leadership views as a detriment to governance efficiency.

While the mandate officially targets government employees, reports indicate inconsistent implementation across provinces, with some local authorities extending restrictions to civilians, students, and medical workers. Analysts suggest this ad-hoc enforcement may serve as a precursor to a broader, nationwide prohibition. The move follows previous attempts by the regime to restrict internet access, including a nationwide blackout in September, which was reversed after causing significant disruptions to the banking and private sectors. The current directive remains in effect unless an exemption is granted via a written decree from supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada.