Crackdown On Tiktok Users And Influencers In Afghanistan Intensified, Arrested For Activities Deemed Unlawful

The Taliban's Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice has reported the arrest of several social media users accused of engaging in“illicit activities.” Saif Khyber, the ministry's spokesperson, released videos showing two TikTok users expressing regret for their actions. One such user, known as Haroon Pakora, appeared in a forced video in which he admitted his arrest was due to engaging in conversations with women on TikTok. He vowed to cease such interactions in the future and urged women, both inside and outside Afghanistan, not to join his live sessions anymore.

The Taliban's Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice issued a statement on May 11, 2025, warning that using social media for“unethical and unlawful purposes” would be subject to legal consequences. The ministry specifically targeted TikTok and PUBG, banning these platforms in Afghanistan earlier in 2023, claiming they mislead and corrupt young people. TikTok, in particular, has gained significant popularity among Afghan youth, many of whom rely on the platform for income in the absence of other job opportunities under Taliban rule.

As most formal employment opportunities in Afghanistan have diminished under Taliban control, many young people have turned to social media platforms like TikTok and YouTube as alternative sources of income. With the Taliban's increasing restrictions on these platforms, this avenue for financial support is now under severe threat. For many Afghan youths, the continued repression of social media could eliminate one of the few remaining means of livelihood, exacerbating the economic challenges faced by the population.

Haroon Pakora, a well-known social media personality, became the subject of Taliban scrutiny after being detained for speaking with women on TikTok. In the viral video, Pakora pledges not to engage with women in future discussions, expressing remorse over his past actions. Some social media users have speculated that the video was recorded under duress, with reports suggesting that Pakora's hair was shaved during the detention, though these claims remain unconfirmed. The exact circumstances surrounding his arrest remain unclear.

Saif al-Islam Khyber, another Taliban spokesperson, issued a stern warning to social media users, urging them to utilize these platforms for“education, reliable news, and legitimate business.” He emphasized that any“ideological deviation, insult, discrimination, or use of social media in ways contrary to religious values” would be considered a criminal act. The Taliban's position on social media continues to grow stricter, as they intensify their control over digital platforms in Afghanistan.

On May 13, 2025, Shir Ali Mubariz, a popular TikTok influencer from Baghlan province, was also arrested by Taliban intelligence agents. Mubariz, known for his lighthearted and comedic live broadcasts on TikTok, was detained under allegations of“improper behavior” on social media. The Taliban's crackdown on influencers, particularly those engaging in what they consider un-Islamic or immoral behavior, is part of a broader effort to regulate digital content in Afghanistan.

The Taliban's tightening grip on social media and digital platforms highlights a broader trend of increased censorship and repression in Afghanistan. By cracking down on users, particularly those engaging in entertainment or lighthearted content, the regime seeks to ensure that online activities align strictly with its ideological and religious values. However, this strategy risks stifling the digital economy and further alienating the youth, who already face severe limitations in terms of employment and personal freedoms.

As the Taliban continues to impose stricter controls on social media, the future of digital platforms in Afghanistan remains uncertain. With young people relying on platforms like TikTok for income and expression, these restrictions could create significant social unrest and economic hardship. The international community's response to the ongoing digital repression will play a crucial role in shaping Afghanistan's future in an increasingly interconnected world.

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