Afghanistan's Taliban government imposes smartphone ban on government officials

AI Summary

The Taliban government in Afghanistan has issued a nationwide ban on smartphone use for all civil servants, including military and civilian officials and judges. The order, effective June 16, includes harsh penalties such as destroying violators' phones, raising concerns about information access restrictions.

By Mohammad Yunus Yawar KABUL, June 25 (Reuters) - Afghanistan's Taliban government has ordered a nationwide ban on civil servants' smartphone use, a military court order showed, prompting warnings from rights activists that the move could further restrict access to information. The court order seen by Reuters states that smartphone use by "all officials of the military and civilian institutions, including judges" will be prohibited from June 16. Violators will have their cellphones smashed and face punishment under the law, the order said.