In a decree broadcast over Afghani radio, Taliban leader Mullah Mohammed Omar said: “Within the territory of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, no governmental, domestic or international [non-governmental organisation] or individuals can exploit the internet,” adding that “the Ministry of Communication is duty bound to make the use of the internet impossible”.
The ban, which covers the whole of Afghanistan except a connection in the southern city of Kandahar, where most of the Taliban leaders are based, extends an earlier ban on the use of the internet in July which prohibited ordinary Afghani citizens and government workers from being exposed to “un-Islamic influences”.
Only a small percentage of the 21 million people in Afghanistan had access to the internet, although the new ban will cripple the electronic communications of international agencies working in the country.
In Vietnam, the communist government has announced that foreign and domestic companies will now be able to supply internet service within the country, but the government is to retain its control of the web by including strict licensing conditions and state control of internet access. All ISPs must be licensed by the government which also involves the state owning most of its shares.