Tanzania has decided to block access to the social media platform X, previously known as Twitter, due to its association with the sharing of pornographic content, according to the country’s information minister, Jerry Silaa. He stated that such content violates Tanzania’s laws and cultural values.
Reports from Tanzanian users indicate that access to X has been restricted over the past two weeks, coinciding with rising political tensions and a hack of the police’s official account, which displayed pornographic material. However, a complete shutdown of the platform has not yet been enacted.
The Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC), a Tanzanian rights group, highlighted these actions as part of a “troubling pattern of digital repression,” especially with October’s upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections. The LHRC pointed out that similar restrictions were imposed before the 2020 elections, raising concerns about the future of digital freedom in Tanzania. The group criticised the government’s inconsistency in blocking access while officials continue to use the platform for communication.
Silaa noted that X’s recent policy change allowing consensual adult content is at odds with Tanzania’s online ethics guidelines. He also acknowledged that other platforms, like YouTube, have limited access to certain content as part of their efforts to uphold local laws.
The crackdown follows incidents where the police’s social media accounts were hacked, which not only displayed pornographic content but also falsely claimed the president had died. This incident erupted amid a broader governmental crackdown on human rights advocates from neighbouring countries who had arrived in solidarity with opposition leader Tundu Lissu, recently charged with treason for advocating electoral reforms.
Critics accuse President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s administration of becoming increasingly authoritarian, reminiscent of her predecessor, John Magufuli. While the government insists that Tanzania remains a stable democracy and will ensure free and fair elections, many observers remain sceptical about the openness of the electoral process and the country’s digital landscape.
