In a move aimed at reshaping the digital landscape in Afghanistan, Najibullah Haqqani, the acting Minister of Telecommunications and Information Technology, has revealed plans to implement a policy restricting or potentially blocking access to Facebook in the country.
In an exclusive interview with TOLOnews, Haqqani underscored the need to refocus the attention of Afghan youth on education, citing concerns over academic performance and literacy rates. “Our youth are in a situation where they are academically weak and the majority of them are illiterate,” Haqqani stated, expressing apprehension over the detrimental impact of social media distractions on the nation’s youth.
The policy, crafted by the Ministry of Telecommunications and Information Technology, seeks to address what Haqqani perceives as a drain on national resources, asserting that time spent on social networks is advantageous for companies but detrimental to the nation.
Moreover, Haqqani shed light on previous arrangements between telecommunications networks and the Islamic Emirate, highlighting the shift in governance following recent political changes. He emphasized the need for increased efforts to combat cybercrimes and announced plans to establish a dedicated laboratory in this field.
Reflecting on past governance structures, Haqqani indicated a move towards centralization and efficiency, with plans to streamline systems across various ministries. With 241 active systems already in place and further expansion on the horizon, the government aims to enhance connectivity and operational effectiveness within key sectors.
However, amidst these efforts, Haqqani emphasized the importance of respecting individuals’ privacy rights, affirming that only security institutions are authorized to access personal data for the purpose of maintaining public safety.
As Afghanistan navigates a period of transition, the government’s stance on digital governance and security underscores its commitment to fostering a conducive environment for education and development, albeit amid debates over the balance between security measures and individual freedoms.
