Sources in the Taliban‑run Ministry of Telecommunications told Amu that access to the Google Play Store and Apple App Store has been restricted nationwide.
Residents in Kabul and several provinces said they cannot reach these app platforms without using virtual private networks (VPNs). Local reports from Nangarhar, Laghman, Kunar, Nuristan, Panjshir, Kapisa, Parwan and Kabul confirmed that users must resort to filtering tools to access the services.
This restriction comes amid earlier reports that telecommunications providers in Kabul were ordered to suspend fiber‑optic internet services at night in certain areas. Many users said they already cannot access fiber internet overnight.
However, a source in the Taliban’s telecommunications ministry previously told Amu that no formal decision has been made to cut off internet access at night.
Telecom firms say they are operating under heavy constraints from Taliban authorities. Citizens argue that instead of imposing limitations, the government should focus on improving and expanding internet access.
