1. Internet and mobile telephone services have been shut down nationwide across Afghanistan since Monday, according to multiple media outlets. This has resulted in a total internet blackout as reported by NetBlocks on Tuesday.
2. The Taliban interim government has not commented on the situation but has previously taken steps to ban internet access, particularly for preventing immoral behavior. This is the first nationwide shutdown of internet access since the Taliban regained power four years ago.
3. The nationwide internet and telecommunication shutdown could hinder support efforts following a powerful earthquake in eastern Afghanistan on August 31 that killed over 2,200 people. Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi Yoshimasa expressed concern about the impact on the support efforts and humanitarian situation, stating that Japan will work with the international community to request the Taliban to lift oppressive measures restricting people's rights.