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The Taliban has lashed out at Facebook for blocking freedom of speech in Afghanistan after the United States company blocked WhatsApp accounts linked to the group considered a terrorist organisation.
A Taliban spokesman hit back at Facebook in response to a question during a press conference on Tuesday, Aug. 17.
Referring to the social media company's practice of censure, the Taliban person said: "This question should be asked to those people who are claiming to be promoters of freedom of speech who do not allow publication of all information... You can ask Facebook company, this question should be asked to them."
Facebook blocks Taliban's WhatsApp accounts
Earlier that day on Aug. 17, Facebook announced that it would be blocking WhatsApp accounts linked to the Taliban, following the group's seizing of control of Afghanistan.
According to the BBC, the Taliban had used social media to spread its messages for years, and used WhatsApp in its communications.
The Financial Times reported that Facebook's actions had shut down a WhatsApp hotline set up by the Taliban for civilians to report complaints about violence and looting.
Facebook, WhatsApp's owner, shared that it had also blocked other "official Taliban channels" in the move, and was actively screening the messaging app to try to prevent the Taliban from using it.
Following U.S. sanctions
A Facebook spokesperson told AFP that the Taliban is sanctioned as a terrorist organisation under the U.S. law, which is why they have been banned under the company's Dangerous Organization policies.
A WhatsApp spokesperson added that the company is required to follow U.S. sanctions, which included banning accounts appearing to be representing official accounts of the Taliban.
It added that more information will be sought from relevant U.S. authorities, given the evolving situation in Afghanistan.
According to Facebook, a dedicated team of Afghanistan experts, who are native Dari and Pashto speakers, have also been helping to guide policy.
It said:
"Facebook does not make decisions about the recognised government in any particular country but instead respects the authority of the international community in making these determinations."
Situation in Afghanistan
In the past day, images and videos of Afghans fleeing the country in desperation have swamped social media.
Many Afghans fear a return to the Taliban's imposition of Sharia law, which saw the militant group banning women from working, and enforcing harsh punishments such as whipping and hanging.
Accounts hinting at the Taliban's harsh rule have emerged from other cities that fell under their control prior to the group's arrival in Kabul.
In the southern city of Kandahar, nine women working at the offices of a bank were told to leave so that male relatives could take their place, according to The Independent.
Top screenshot via Sky News YouTube
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