Taliban Bans Smartphone Use; Some Members Destroy Their Phones

The Taliban administration has introduced a new regulation banning smartphone use for government employees and organization members. Following the decision, videos of some members breaking their phones went viral on social media.

Scraper SystemJune 10, 2026, 11:44 AM

Taliban Bans Smartphone Use; Some Members Destroy Their Phones

Don't leave it to Google's algorithm, choose the news you want to read! Click and add After the Taliban leadership's directive banning smartphone use for government employees and organization members, videos of some members breaking their phones became a trending topic on social media. The administration, which conducts official correspondence via WhatsApp, is said to face disruptions in daily operations due to the ban.

In Afghanistan, the Taliban administration has introduced a new regulation banning smartphone use for government employees and organization members. Following a verbal order from Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada, videos showing some members breaking their smartphones in support of the decision have sparked widespread reactions on social media and internationally.

THOSE WHO DO NOT COMPLY WILL BE TRIED According to documents published by Afghanistan International, the Taliban leadership issued a new verbal order banning smartphone use. It was stated that those who do not comply could be referred to a military court and that the implementation would be strictly monitored.

After the ban was reported in the media, videos shared on social media showed some Taliban members throwing or smashing their smartphones as a demonstration of loyalty to the leadership. These videos were viewed millions of times in a short period.

THEY BREAK SMARTPHONES BUT CAN'T GIVE UP WHATSAPP Experts noted that following the restriction, the Taliban administration has long conducted official correspondence, orders, and much of local governance coordination through smartphones, especially via the WhatsApp application.

While the smartphone ban is expected to cause serious problems in the organization's daily operations, many social media users internationally described the situation as an "ironic picture due to dependence on digital communication tools" or a "symbolic protest against technology."

Following leader Akhundzada's call, the Taliban administration also took steps in 2025 to reduce smartphone use and implemented similar bans for students in educational institutions. All copyrights of articles, news, and photos published on the website belong to Mega Ajans and Rek. Tic. A. Ş. They cannot be quoted or reproduced even with source attribution without permission.

Taliban Bans Smartphone Use; Some Members Destroy Their Phones