Taliban bans smartphones for government workers

The Taliban have issued a directive banning the use of smartphones by all government officials, including high-ranking leaders, general mujahideen, and service staff, effective this week. The order, issued by the military courts and reviewed by the Guardian, applies to government workers but reports suggest broader implementation may follow. Analysts warn this could foreshadow a population-wide prohibition on smartphones in Afghanistan. Officials have been shown destroying devices in enforcement of the ban.