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Afghanistan moves to block WhatsApp, Telegram messaging services

Some media reports, citing unidentified sources, said the move had been ordered by the National Directorate for Security

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Reuters Kabul
Afghanistan’s telecoms regulator wrote to internet service providers this week ordering them to block the messaging services WhatsApp and Telegram but it was not clear whether they had complied.
 
Use of social media and mobile instant messaging services has exploded in Afghanistan over recent years. Social media users and civil rights groups reacted with outrage to initial reports of the move and the letter sent by telecoms regulator ATRA was widely shared on social media.
 
Some media reports, citing unidentified sources, said the move had been ordered by the National Directorate for Security to thwart the use of