Afghanistan's Taliban authorities have imposed a nationwide ban on smartphone use by government employees, according to a military court directive.


The order, reviewed by Reuters, states that the use of smartphones by "all officials of the military and civilian institutions, including judges", has been prohibited since June 16, Caliber.Az reports.


It raised concerns among rights advocates about further restrictions on access to information.


Under the directive, anyone found violating the ban could have their device confiscated and destroyed, while also facing legal penalties.


The Taliban administration has not publicly commented on the measure.


Government employees said the restriction has already affected day-to-day operations, with some administrative functions reportedly disrupted due to reliance on mobile phones, messaging applications and email for official communication.


"The impact has been so significant that many administrative processes have effectively come to a halt, because most official work was previously carried out through mobile phones, WhatsApp, and email," a government employee said.


Authorities in Panjshir province have already announced the immediate enforcement of the ban across government offices.


Human rights advocates warned that smartphones remain one of the few remaining channels through which Afghans can access educational materials, obtain independent information, communicate privately and document alleged abuses.


They argue that the latest measure reflects a broader tightening of controls by the Taliban since returning to power in August 2021.


Since then, the Taliban have introduced extensive restrictions affecting women, girls, media outlets and civil society groups. Girls are still barred from secondary and higher education, many women have been excluded from the workforce, while activists and journalists have reported cases of intimidation, detention and censorship.


"Today, a smartphone is no longer just a source of entertainment," said Australia-based women's rights activist Sanam Kabiri.


"When its use is prohibited in government offices, it raises concerns that the objective may extend beyond maintaining administrative order to also restricting access to information and communication."


By Bakhtiyar Abbasov