On April 22, 2022, the Taliban announced a ban on video-sharing app TikTok and online multiplayer game PUBG, citing concerns over 'immoral material' and the potential to 'mislead' young Afghans.
According to Deputy Central Spokesperson Inamulla Samangani, the ban is necessary to 'prevent the younger generation from being misled.' However, it is unclear when the ban will come into effect and for how long.
The Taliban's decision marks the first time the group has banned an app since coming to power in August 2021.
Notably, a previous attempt by the former government to ban PUBG was unsuccessful.
TikTok and PUBG have become increasingly popular among young Afghans in recent months, with the former being used to create short videos and the latter being an online shooting game created by a South Korean developer.
As part of the ban, the Taliban has also vowed to restrict TV channels from airing what it considers 'immoral material.'
Under the Taliban's previous rule from 1996 to 2001, the group was known for its strict interpretation of Islamist law and its restrictions on entertainment and media.
