The Taliban’s Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice has declared that operating fake social media accounts is now a criminal offence under its regulations. The move signals a further tightening of the group’s control over online spaces, amid an escalating clampdown on freedom of expression in Afghanistan.
In a statement released this week, ministry spokesperson Saif-ul-Islam Khyber cautioned that violators would face “serious legal consequences.” He stressed that social media must only be used for “accurate information, business, education, and public awareness,” warning citizens not to misuse digital platforms.
This directive is part of a broader effort by the Taliban to assert control over the digital sphere. Working closely with the group’s intelligence apparatus, the ministry has already arrested and, in some cases, reportedly tortured individuals accused of posting anti-Taliban content online.
Since their return to power in August 2021, the Taliban have systematically rolled back civil liberties, including press freedom and online expression. Specialised surveillance teams now monitor internet activity, identify dissenting voices, and ensure compliance with the group’s ideological standards, marking a grim shift for digital freedoms in the country.
