Afghanistan’s Taliban government has issued a directive banning civil servants, teachers, and security forces from bringing smartphones to work. The order, confirmed by multiple officials and reported by the New York Times, warns that violators will have their phones destroyed and may face additional punishment. While no public explanation was given, religious scholars and judges have pushed for restrictions on what they describe as online 'pornography and corruption.' The Guardian notes the Taliban is also concerned about leaked protest videos challenging official narratives.

Videos circulating on social media show Taliban officials reading the order—often using smartphones—and government workers smashing their own devices in compliance. The ban is currently limited to government workplaces, but officials suggest it may be the first step toward a broader societal restriction. Bureaucrats have anonymously complained that the rule is already interfering with routine tasks, raising concerns about how daily operations will function under the new policy.

The move underscores the Taliban’s tightening control over information and communication. With internet access and digital tools increasingly central to modern governance and personal freedom, the ban marks a significant reversal in connectivity. It also highlights the regime’s prioritization of ideological enforcement over administrative efficiency. As enforcement begins, observers are watching for signs of wider rollout beyond government employees.