Afghanistan’s recent internet shutdown has revealed a significant vulnerability in decentralized blockchain systems due to their reliance on centralized internet services. A nearly total internet blackout affected approximately 13 million people and lasted for about 48 hours, attributed to government orders by the Taliban, although they later cited technical problems with fiber optic cables as the reason for the disruption.

While blockchains are designed to facilitate censorship-resistant transactions, their dependency on centralized providers complicates this capability during connectivity outages.

“The Afghanistan blackout is not just a regional connectivity crisis: It is a wake-up call,” stated Michail Angelov, co-founder of the decentralized WiFi platform Roam Network. “When connectivity is monopolized by centralized providers, the promise of blockchain can collapse overnight.”

The blackout, marking the first nationwide closure of internet services under Taliban governance, aligns with previous regional restrictions on online activities deemed inappropriate. Meanwhile, Iran has faced its own internet censorship challenges, enduring lengthy outages amid conflict.

The event reinforces calls for decentralized connectivity solutions that mitigate reliance on single points of failure. Projects like Roam Network aim to create decentralized wireless networks, enhancing the resilience and accessibility of internet services in critical situations.

Decentralized networks promise a path toward greater autonomy over internet access, essential for realizing the full potential of blockchain technology.