The Taliban has introduced a massive surveillance system in Kabul, deploying 90,000 CCTV cameras across the city. Officials say the system will help reduce crime, but many fear it will be used to control dissent and enforce strict morality laws. The BBC was the first international media outlet allowed to witness the network in action.
Monitoring Millions in Real-Time
Inside a control room, Taliban police officers track live footage from cameras placed across the city. The system can identify people by gender, age, and even facial expressions. It also allows authorities to zoom in on individuals from kilometers away.
Taliban spokesperson Khalid Zadran says this technology helps police respond quickly to potential criminal activities. “If we see suspicious gatherings, we send local police to investigate immediately,” he says.
Concerns Over Privacy and Human Rights
Rights groups fear this surveillance will target activists, former military members, and women who defy Taliban rules. Amnesty International warns that these cameras will further restrict freedoms under the guise of national security.
Fariba, a young graduate in Kabul, says women are particularly worried. “There is significant concern that surveillance cameras will be used to monitor women’s hijabs,” she says. The Taliban insists its morality police do not have access to the system, but many Afghans remain unconvinced.
Surveillance Without Protection
Afghanistan lacks data protection laws to regulate how this footage is stored and used. The Taliban claims video data is only kept for three months, but human rights organizations question this assurance.
Human Rights Watch says the lack of legal safeguards makes this system a major threat to privacy. Critics argue that without independent oversight, the surveillance network could be used to target political opponents and restrict civil liberties.
Cameras at a High Cost to Citizens
Installing these cameras has not only increased government control but also placed financial pressure on ordinary Afghans. Residents in Kabul report being forced to pay for the cameras in their neighborhoods.
Shella, a local resident, says her family was threatened with water and electricity cuts if they refused to contribute. “We had to take loans to cover the costs,” she says. “People are starving—what good are these cameras to them?”
The Taliban denies forcing anyone to pay, claiming all contributions were voluntary. However, many residents dispute this, saying they were given no choice.
China’s Role in the Surveillance System
The new cameras appear to be made by Dahua, a Chinese company linked to the Chinese government. The Taliban has not disclosed where it purchased the equipment. Earlier reports suggested talks with Huawei, but the company denied involvement.
China has increased its engagement with the Taliban government in recent years, mainly through economic and security discussions. However, no country has officially recognized the Taliban regime.
Growing Fears of a Police State
Afghanistan’s humanitarian crisis continues, with millions needing aid. As economic hardship deepens, many question the government’s priorities. Jaber, a vegetable seller, says the cameras make people feel powerless. “We are treated like trash, denied the opportunity to earn a living, and the authorities regard us as worthless,” he says.
With no clear legal protections in place, activists fear this surveillance system will only strengthen the Taliban’s grip on power. The question remains: will this technology truly reduce crime, or is it another tool for oppression?
Related Stories:
Afghan Women’s Radio Station ‘Radio Begum’ to Resume Broadcasts After Taliban Lifts Ban
Taliban Holds ‘International Water Conference’ In Kabul Without Video Coverage
Taliban Bans Broadcast of Political Programs on Domestic Media
