Report on the Suspension of Fiber-Optic Internet in Afghanistan and its Implications for Sustainable Development Goals

1.0 Executive Summary

The de facto Taliban authorities in Afghanistan have implemented a widespread ban on fiber-optic internet services across multiple provinces. The stated rationale for this measure is the “prevention of immorality.” This directive has resulted in the shutdown of Wi-Fi internet for government offices, the private sector, public institutions, and residential users, leaving only mobile internet functional. This action represents a significant regression in the nation’s development, directly undermining progress toward several key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

2.0 Scope of the Internet Shutdown

The ban, originating from the Taliban leadership, is the first of its kind since August 2021. It has been progressively enforced across the country.

• Initial Implementation: The northern province of Balkh was among the first to confirm a complete Wi-Fi shutdown.
• Expansion of Ban: The suspension of services was subsequently confirmed in several other key provinces.

1. Baghlan
2. Badakhshan
3. Kunduz
4. Nangarhar
5. Takhar

This shutdown affects a significant portion of Afghanistan’s more than 1,800 kilometers of fiber-optic network, which had previously provided service to most provinces.

3.0 Critical Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The suspension of essential internet infrastructure poses a grave threat to the achievement of the SDGs in Afghanistan. The decision directly contravenes the principles of inclusivity, access to information, and economic development that underpin the 2030 Agenda.

• SDG 4 (Quality Education): The ban severely curtails access to online educational resources, remote learning opportunities, and digital literacy programs, creating significant barriers to quality education for all.
• SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): By disabling internet access for the private sector and public institutions, the ban cripples business operations, hinders economic activity, and eliminates opportunities for digital employment, thus impeding sustainable economic growth.
• SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure): This action systematically dismantles critical digital infrastructure, directly opposing the goal of developing reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure. It stifles innovation and isolates the country from the global digital economy.
• SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities): The directive exacerbates the digital divide, deepening inequalities by cutting off citizens from information, services, and opportunities available globally. This disproportionately affects marginalized communities.
• SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions): The ban is a direct assault on fundamental freedoms, particularly the public’s right to access information as outlined in Target 16.10. Organizations such as the Afghanistan Media Support Organization have condemned the move as a grave threat to freedom of expression and the work of the media.

4.0 Conclusion

The widespread ban on fiber-optic internet in Afghanistan is a regressive policy with far-reaching negative consequences. It not only isolates millions of citizens and cripples essential services but also represents a significant setback for the country’s alignment with the global Sustainable Development Goals. The action undermines efforts to foster education, promote economic growth, build resilient infrastructure, and ensure fundamental freedoms, further entrenching the nation in developmental and informational isolation.

Analysis of the Article in Relation to Sustainable Development Goals

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

   • The article directly discusses the shutdown of critical infrastructure, specifically the “fiber-optic internet” network. This goal focuses on building resilient infrastructure, promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and fostering innovation. The ban on this technology represents a significant setback for Afghanistan’s digital infrastructure, affecting the “private sector, public institutions, and homes.”

2. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

   • This goal aims to promote peaceful and inclusive societies, provide access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions. The article highlights a direct threat to fundamental freedoms, a key component of this SDG. The Afghanistan Media Support Organization is quoted as saying the ban “disrupts millions of citizens’ access to free information” and “poses a grave threat to freedom of expression,” which are central tenets of SDG 16.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Target 9.c: Significantly increase access to information and communications technology and strive to provide universal and affordable access to the Internet in least developed countries.

   • The article describes actions that are in direct opposition to this target. Instead of increasing access, the Taliban has “imposed a complete ban on the technology,” leading to provinces “losing access to fiber-optic internet.” This directly undermines the goal of providing universal internet access, affecting a country that is among the least developed.

2. Target 16.10: Ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms, in accordance with national legislation and international agreements.

   • The ban is explicitly identified as a measure that “disrupts millions of citizens’ access to free information.” The condemnation by the Afghanistan Media Support Organization, which states the action “poses a grave threat to freedom of expression and the work of the media,” directly links the internet shutdown to the erosion of fundamental freedoms and public access to information, which this target aims to protect.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. Indicators for Target 9.c

   • Geographic coverage of internet infrastructure: The article implies a negative trend for this indicator. It mentions that “Most Afghan provinces have had fiber-optic services until now,” but lists several provinces where access has been cut off, including “Balkh, Baghlan, Badakhshan, Kunduz, Nangarhar, and Takhar.” The number of provinces with and without access serves as a direct indicator.
   • Length of fiber-optic network: The article provides a baseline for this indicator, stating Afghanistan had “a fiber-optic network of more than 1,800 kilometers (1,125 miles)” with an approved extension. The shutdown of this network can be measured as a regression against this infrastructure indicator.

2. Indicators for Target 16.10

   • Implementation of policies restricting access to information: The article’s central theme is the “Taliban crackdown” and the “complete ban” on fiber-optic internet. The existence and enforcement of this ban serve as a clear, albeit qualitative, indicator of a policy that actively restricts public access to information.
   • State of freedom of expression: The statement from the Afghanistan Media Support Organization condemning the ban as a “grave threat to freedom of expression” acts as an indicator. Monitoring the ability of media organizations and citizens to operate and express themselves freely would be a way to measure progress (or lack thereof) towards this target.

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: abcnews.go.com