Afghanistan’s social influencers fear for their freedom and their lives


Full story

Ayeda Shadab is Afghanistan’s leading social media influencer with more than 290,000 followers–even more than the country’s president. As the Taliban reassert control in the country and the threat of sharia law looms large, some Afghanistan-based influencers have reduced their social media presence and made their previously public accounts private.

Mahmoud Bennett (Editor) contributed to this report.
Tags:

SAN provides
Unbiased. Straight Facts.

Don’t just take our word for it.


Certified balanced reporting

According to media bias experts at AllSides

AllSides Certified Balanced May 2025

Transparent and credible

Awarded a perfect reliability rating from NewsGuard

100/100

Welcome back to trustworthy journalism.

Find out more

SAN provides
Unbiased. Straight Facts.

Don’t just take our word for it.


Certified balanced reporting

According to media bias experts at AllSides

AllSides Certified Balanced May 2025

Transparent and credible

Awarded a perfect reliability rating from NewsGuard

100/100

Welcome back to trustworthy journalism.

Find out more

Daily Newsletter

Start your day with fact-based news

Start your day with fact-based news

Learn more about our emails. Unsubscribe anytime.

By entering your email, you agree to the Terms and Conditions and acknowledge the Privacy Policy.