Afghan Witness Archives

Information environment Media

Mar 31

US-funded local language media at risk of closure

Trump’s funding freeze leaves exiled media scrambling for resources.

Information environment Media Terrorism Threats Security Social Media ISKP Propaganda

Dec 9

ISKP calls for “lone wolf” attacks in Khorasan

First calls for attacks in the territory marks a strategic shift for the group

Information environment Disinformation Foreign relations Media NRF Social Media Resistance

Dec 9

NRF social media campaign seeks support from Trump cabinet picks

Using official channels and unofficial pro-NRF accounts, the group promotes its stance to the U.S. and appeals for tougher anti-Taliban policy

Information environment Education Media Women's rights Taliban Propaganda Children

Dec 9

Women and children’s radicalisation under the Taliban administration

Lectures by female scholar and a children’s play among strategies to promote jihadi ideology

Human Rights Media Violence Taliban

Oct 9

Boy found dead after accusing Taliban members of sexual abuse

Boy allegedly killed by Taliban after accusing multiple commanders of rape in Farah province interrogation video

Media Religious Freedom Arrests Information environment Taliban

Oct 9

Taliban announce tighter controls on media, scholars, and online platforms

Taliban ban TikTok and PUBG, restrict controversial discussions in media and target political analysts

Human Rights Investigations Features Media Information environment Women's rights Taliban

Sep 23

Noor Fellowship: meet the fellows and discover their work

Their research offers fresh perspectives on key issues and under-reported stories concerning land rights, media freedom, and women’s digital activism in Afghanistan.

Information environment Arrests Media Taliban

Sep 12

Social media activists arrested in eastern Afghanistan

In August 2024, the Taliban arrested two social media activists, Khetabullah Bangakh and Abdul Rahman Gulab, for spreading anti-Taliban content. Both were featured in confession videos pledging support to the Taliban.

Religious Freedom Policies and Restrictions Human Rights Media Taliban

Sep 11

Taliban’s new vice and virtue law targets women, minorities, and media

The Taliban's new vice and virtue law, ratified in July 2024, mandates severe restrictions on women's dress, public behaviour, and transportation, while also imposing limitations on the media and minorities.

Information environment Media ISKP

Jun 19

ISKP: Use of Generative AI presenters to create newscasts

The recent usage of AI-generated videos to claim ISKP attacks has stirred controversy within pro-IS communities over the religious permissibility of AI technology. Despite increased accessibility to AI tools for propaganda, the isolated efforts and mixed reception suggest AI use in extremist content may remain limited.

Information environment Security Disinformation Media Taliban

Jun 16

Disinformation: Alleged drone strike in Logar province

On May 17, 2024, reports of a drone strike targeting the Taliban in Logar province surfaced on social media, leading to widespread speculation and conflicting accounts about the incident. Despite official denials of an attack by Taliban authorities, the claim continued to be spread, both by legitimate accounts and by bots.

Media Taliban

Jun 15

Surge in Verified Taliban Accounts on X

A surge in verified Taliban accounts on X, formerly Twitter, highlights the group's strategic use of the platform's features to spread propaganda and legitimise their presence. This trend raises questions about the implications of the verification feature and the moderation of extremist content on social media.