Afghanistan tech advancements likely to tumble under Taliban rule

Afghanistan, despite its reputation, has grown technologically advanced in the past two decades, with most of the country having access to modern phones and the internet for the first time. But the gains are at risk following the takeover of the country by the Taliban, under whom increased censorship, surveillance, and retrenchment in tech investments are likely.

Thanks to billions invested in the country’s tech sector since 2002, due to efforts by the Afghan and U.S. governments, along with private companies, over 90% of the population has had mobile phone access in the past few years, and internet access has become affordable to many.