How do you cut the internet for a whole country? episode artwork

EPISODE · Oct 3, 2025 · 12 MIN

How do you cut the internet for a whole country?

from What in the World · host BBC World Service

Afghanistan has just come out of an internet blackout, which paralysed businesses, banks and airports and cut people off from their friends and family. People in the capital Kabul celebrated in the streets when the Taliban government finally switched it back on. So what do we know about why it was shut down in the first place? And what impact did it have on women in the country, where the Taliban has banned girls over the age of 12 from receiving an education? Alia Rajai from the BBC’S Afghan Service explains.It’s not uncommon to hear about the internet being shut down for political reasons, like during elections, protests and times of civil unrest. Felicia Anthonio from Access Now, a non-profit organisation which campaigns for digital rights, tells us how common internet blackouts are around the world. Plus, Jacqui Wakefield, a BBC tech reporter breaks down how governments can turn off the internet.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Julia Ross-Roy, Maria Clara Montoya and Benita Barden Editor: Verity Wilde

Afghanistan has just come out of an internet blackout, which paralysed businesses, banks and airports and cut people off from their friends and family. People in the capital Kabul celebrated in the streets when the Taliban government finally switched it back on. So what do we know about why it was shut down in the first place? And what impact did it have on women in the country, where the Taliban has banned girls over the age of 12 from receiving an education? Alia Rajai from the BBC’S Afghan Service explains.It’s not uncommon to hear about the internet being shut down for political reasons, like during elections, protests and times of civil unrest. Felicia Anthonio from Access Now, a non-profit organisation which campaigns for digital rights, tells us how common internet blackouts are around the world. Plus, Jacqui Wakefield, a BBC tech reporter breaks down how governments can turn off the internet.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Julia Ross-Roy, Maria Clara Montoya and Benita Barden Editor: Verity Wilde

NOW PLAYING

How do you cut the internet for a whole country?

0:00 12:49

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of What in the World?

This episode is 12 minutes long.

When was this What in the World episode published?

This episode was published on October 3, 2025.

What is this episode about?

Afghanistan has just come out of an internet blackout, which paralysed businesses, banks and airports and cut people off from their friends and family. People in the capital Kabul celebrated in the streets when the Taliban government finally...

Can I download this What in the World episode?

Yes, you can download this episode by clicking the download button on the episode player, or subscribe to the podcast in your preferred podcast app for automatic downloads.
URL copied to clipboard!