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Afghanistan Issues Ban on Smartphones for Civil Servants and Military
The New York Times • • world
Key Points:
- Afghanistan’s leader, under the Taliban government, has ordered all civil servants and armed forces personnel to stop bringing smartphones to work starting Wednesday, marking a new restriction on individual freedoms.
- Some government agencies are switching from WhatsApp to regular cellular calls as they adapt to the ban, amid ongoing economic isolation, aid cuts, and regional conflicts.
- The order was issued by Afghanistan’s highest court without providing any explanation or justification for the restriction.
- Multiple civil servants, police officers, and education professionals across five provinces have confirmed the ban is being implemented in their offices.
- Government representatives have not responded to requests for comment on the new smartphone prohibition.
