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.
