Committee to Protect Journalists Voices Concern Over Taliban’s Facebook Ban in Afghanistan

The International Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has expressed concern over the Taliban’s decision to block Facebook in Afghanistan, citing significant implications for the freedom of information in the country.

In a statement released by the CPJ, the organization highlighted that the ban could further erode the already fragile media landscape in Afghanistan, which has suffered since the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021.

Beih Leyyi, the CPJ’s Asia Program Coordinator, stated, “Facebook has played a critical role in sustaining Afghanistan’s media sector, which faces extinction under the Taliban’s rule. Curtailing access to Facebook will strike yet another blow to the freedom of information here.”

Leyyi also emphasized the vital role of social networks in filling the void left by a suppressed press in Afghanistan. “The move to shut down Facebook is indicative of the Taliban’s broader censorship agenda,” he added.