Following the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn have announced that they are securing the accounts of Afghan citizens to protect them from the Taliban. On Thursday, Facebook’s security policy head Nathaniel Gleicher tweeted that the social media company had temporarily disabled the ability for people in Afghanistan to view or search their friends’ lists. Gleicher also stated that Facebook has launched a “one-click tool” for Afghan users to lock down their accounts. This means that people who aren’t Facebook friends won’t be able to see or share their timeline posts or profile photos.
Twitter Inc said it was in contact with civil society partners to offer assistance to Afghan groups. Twitter said it is collaborating with the Internet Archive to expedite direct requests to remove archived tweets. Twitter also stated that if users are unable to access their accounts, which contain sensitive information, they may be temporarily suspended until they are able to regain access and delete the content. Twitter also stated that it was proactively monitoring government-affiliated accounts and that accounts could be temporarily suspended pending additional information to confirm their identity.
“On Instagram, we’re rolling out pop-up alerts in Afghanistan with specific steps on how to protect your account,” Twitter’s Gleicher said in a series of tweets.
The Taliban, who are active on social media and regularly post videos, have discovered ways to circumvent YouTube, Facebook, and WhatsApp restrictions. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid has been updating his more than 300,000 Twitter followers, including international media, on a regular basis.
According to human rights organisations, the Taliban could track Afghans’ digital histories or social connections using online platforms. Thousands of Afghans, including academics, journalists, and human rights defenders, are facing Taliban reprisals, according to Amnesty International.
The Taliban have promised women’s rights, an inclusive government, and complete amnesty for anyone who worked with the Western-backed Afghan government. However, tens of thousands of people are attempting to flee the country for fear of retaliation, recalling the Taliban’s ultra-conservative Islamic regime, which ruled from 1999 to 2001 and imposed harsh punishments.
