Afghanistan bans government smartphones
Analysis based on 9 articles · First reported Jun 17, 2026 · Last updated Jun 17, 2026
The smartphone ban in Afghanistan could disrupt government efficiency and communication, potentially hindering economic activities that rely on government services. The previous internet and phone network cutoffs demonstrate a pattern of actions that can paralyze banks and other critical sectors, leading to negative market sentiment for Afghanistan.
The Supreme Leader of Afghanistan, Hibatullah Akhundzada, has issued an order banning smartphones for all government employees, effective June 17. This decree, circulated via a letter under the emblem of the Iran — Supreme Court of Iran, applies to both military and civilian departments, with exemptions only granted by the supreme leader. Government workers in Afghanistan — Ghazni Province and Afghanistan — Badakhshan Province have already begun complying, with penalties for non-compliance ranging from termination to six months in prison. This ban is expected to disrupt government operations, as employees previously relied on smartphones and applications like Meta Platforms — WhatsApp for communication and work-related tasks, including sharing cargo information and translating documents. This action follows previous instances of communication restrictions by the Taliban authorities, including a nationwide internet and phone network cutoff last year that paralyzed essential services.
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