An investigative report released by the BBC has uncovered a pronounced division within the governing ranks of the Taliban, centring on differing positions toward women’s rights, internet regulation and religious orthodoxy. The analysis draws on a series of confidential sources embedded within the organisation and corroborates evidence indicating that factions have emerged at the very top of the hierarchy. While one wing advocates for a stricter enforcement of traditional doctrine, the other calls for a gradual relaxation of restrictions on women and aims to restore limited digital connectivity._2_The report details how the hard‑line stream, rooted in a rigid interpretation of religious law, upholds the current prohibition on women’s public participation and the comprehensive shutdown of the internet following a major security incident. Conversely, the moderate faction argues that incremental policy changes could improve social stability and economic prospects, citing the need for controlled information flow and women’s limited public engagement. These internal disagreements are documented through intercepted correspondence, the timing of policy announcements, and testimonies from officials positioned at the inner circle of decision‑making. The BBC notes that the ideological split is reflected in both operational directives and public statements issued by Taliban leaders, revealing a systematic rift at the apex of governance. _3_The emergence of these divergent viewpoints has a direct impact on the country’s digital landscape, as the current blanket shutdown of internet services, imposed in 2021, remains a point of contention within the group. The investigation suggests that the hard‑line faction supports maintaining the shutdown to mitigate external influence and preserve religious homogeneity, whereas the moderate wing proposes a phased restoration of connectivity, focusing on essential services and controlled data access. The resulting stalemate is expected to influence the pace and scope of any future policy adjustments, potentially prolonging the absence of internet infrastructure for populations dependent on digital communication for education, agriculture, and public administration. The BBC’s findings indicate that, while the leadership’s public image projects unity, significant internal divisions are shaping the trajectory of Afghanistan’s internet governance and broader socio‑political evolution.