Afghanistan’s Ex-Spy Chief: Taliban Eyes Chinese Algorithms to Control What Afghans See

Masoud Andarabi, a former interior minister and intelligence chief of Afghanistan, warned that the Taliban is turning to Chinese technology to shape public perception. In a recent statement, Andarabi said, “Afghans will see the world through Chinese algorithms.” The remark highlights a shift in the Taliban’s strategy to gain legitimacy. Instead of relying solely on military force, the group is now focusing on controlling information. By partnering with China, the Taliban can filter news and social media content for millions of Afghans. Andarabi’s comment suggests that Beijing’s influence in the region extends beyond infrastructure and trade. It now includes digital censorship tools that could limit what Afghans learn about the outside world. The former spy chief did not provide specific details on any agreement, but his warning points to a growing reliance on foreign tech to manage domestic narratives.