Taliban Order Smartphone Ban as Officials Shown Destroying Devices
Taliban order ban on smartphones as officials – On June 18, 2026, the Taliban implemented a comprehensive smartphone ban targeting government personnel, a move analysts suggest could signal a broader push for population-level restrictions. The directive, issued by the Taliban’s military courts and reviewed by the Guardian, mandates that all officials, from high-ranking leaders to service staff, cease using mobile phones. In a video shared online, a Taliban official is seen reading the ban from his phone while another individual smashes devices. The order explicitly states that any use of smartphones will result in their destruction and “legal and sharia punishment” for the offender. Exemptions, if granted, require a written decree from Hibatullah Akhundzada, the Taliban supreme leader.
Enforcement and Local Discretion
While the ban was announced as a national policy, reports indicate it is being applied unevenly across Afghanistan. Some regions focus solely on government officials, while others extend the restrictions to women, civilians, medical workers, schoolteachers, and students. An Afghan analyst noted that the enforcement often depends on local decisions, with officials acting on their own initiative. “A lot of things happen at the local level because of what someone local has decided,” the analyst said. “But this could also be a prelude to a more sweeping ban—testing the waters for stricter control.”
Internet Blackout as Precursor
The smartphone ban follows a series of measures aimed at disconnecting Afghanistan from the global internet. In September 2026, authorities imposed a two-day internet blackout, justified by concerns over pornography. The cutoff was intended to “prevent immorality,” but it disrupted commerce, emergency services, and aviation. The analyst who works on Afghanistan’s situation described the blackout as a rushed decision made without thorough planning. “The private sector was in chaos, the banking sector panicked, and even their own security forces and leadership realized they hadn’t thought this through,” the analyst recalled. “So they quickly restored connectivity.”
Reasons Behind the Ban
Several factors may drive the Taliban’s focus on smartphones. One is the fear of internal leaks, as officials use their devices to photograph documents and record meetings. These actions, the analyst explained, allow information to escape before the supreme leader approves it. Another concern is the erosion of productivity, with officials allegedly spending too much time on their phones. “People are glued to their devices all day, and they’re not focusing on their work,” the analyst said. “Smartphones shouldn’t be allowed in government settings.”
Herat Protests as a Catalyst
The recent bans may also be linked to the protests that erupted in Herat, a western Afghan city, after the Taliban arrested women and girls for wearing “improper hijab.” During the demonstrations, Taliban forces reportedly fired into crowds, killing at least two people. The analyst suggested this event could have intensified the group’s desire to limit digital access. “The videos from Herat raised alarms about the regime’s control,” they said. “They initially denied the violence, but as evidence emerged, the ban became a tool to suppress dissent.”
Local Implementation and Reactions
Two government employees in Herat described how the smartphone ban had been enforced for months prior to the official directive. One said, “About two months ago, they told us not to bring our phones to work. Me and a few colleagues didn’t take it seriously, but they confiscated them and smashed our devices after we complained.” The employee estimated the loss at around 8,000 afghanis (£95). This incident highlights the tension between local enforcement and the broader Taliban agenda. “It’s not just about controlling information—it’s about making a statement,” the analyst added.
Broader Implications for Governance
While smartphone distractions and leaks are common in many governments, the Taliban’s approach is notable for its legal framework. “They’re the first to use sharia law to target technology in this way,” the analyst observed. The ban reflects a strategic effort to reassert authority over communication and information flow. By restricting access to mobile devices, the Taliban aims to limit the spread of dissenting views and ensure loyalty among officials. However, critics argue that the measure could further alienate the population, especially as it targets civilians and students.
Context from Within the Taliban
Analysts suggest that the ban is part of a broader campaign to tighten control over Afghan society. “They’re testing the waters to see how much resistance they can generate,” said the analyst. “If they can enforce these rules without backlash, it might pave the way for more extensive regulations.” The internet blackout in September and the smartphone ban in June are both seen as attempts to isolate the country from external influences, reinforcing a narrative of cultural and religious purity. However, the abruptness of these measures has drawn criticism, with some arguing that the Taliban is reacting to internal challenges rather than planning systematically.
Reactions from the Media
Zahra Nader, editor-in-chief of Zan Times, highlighted the significance of these policies in shaping public perception. “The Taliban’s actions show a growing emphasis on controlling digital spaces, which could have long-term effects on freedom of expression and access to information,” she said. While the Guardian was unable to reach a Taliban spokesperson for comment, the group’s directive and enforcement methods have sparked discussion among both local and international observers. The ban underscores the Taliban’s commitment to using technology as a tool for governance, even as it raises questions about the balance between security and civil liberties.
As the ban takes hold, its impact on daily life and economic activity remains to be seen. With smartphones being integral to communication and work, the restrictions could disrupt both public and private sectors. Yet, the Taliban’s willingness to enforce such policies—sometimes with visible displays of destruction—signals their determination to reshape the digital landscape of Afghanistan. Whether this marks a turning point in their governance strategy or a temporary measure remains a topic of debate, but the message is clear: control over technology is central to their vision of control over society.
