Afghanistan’s Taliban government issues an order banning smartphone use by government officials, according to reports from The Guardian and The New York Times. The directive comes from the Taliban government’s highest court and is described as taking effect during the current week. It targets government personnel, including both higher- and lower-ranking officials, as well as military and service staff. The order prohibits the use of mobile phones and threatens enforcement measures against those who do so at work. The New York Times reports that people using smartphones in their jobs will face punishment, with devices being smashed. The Guardian describes the ban as being enforced through demonstrations in which officials destroy phones, and it notes concerns that the measure could be a signal of wider restrictions beyond government offices. While both outlets focus on the prohibition for civil servants and military personnel, neither report provides evidence of an immediate nationwide ban affecting the broader population. The full scope and duration of any potential future expansion remain unclear.