Tanzania has decided to restrict access to the social media platform X, previously known as Twitter, due to concerns about pornography, as stated by Information Minister Jerry Silaa. He emphasized that explicit content contradicts Tanzania's laws, culture, and traditions during an interview with a local news station. Recently, reports surfaced of users facing restrictions on X, particularly following the hacking of the police's official account during politically charged times, yet a complete shutdown had not been confirmed.
The Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC), a Tanzanian rights group, criticized the government's actions, labeling them as indicative of a “troubling pattern of digital repression” especially with the presidential and parliamentary elections approaching in October. In their post, the group highlighted that similar bans were enacted before the 2020 elections, raising alarms over the state of digital freedom in Tanzania.
Silaa pointed to a change by X last year, which allowed adult content, something he claimed breached Tanzania's online ethics. He also mentioned that their efforts included restricting access to platforms like YouTube, thereby trying to protect consumers while ensuring that platforms comply with national regulations. A recent report by Netblocks indicated that X faced restrictions, linked to a notable hacking incident that presented false claims and explicit material.
This digital clampdown comes alongside a broader context of government scrutiny on regional activists, particularly surrounding the opposition leader Tundu Lissu, who has faced prosecution that many believe is politically motivated. Activists from Kenya and Uganda have encountered severe repercussions in Tanzania, with allegations of mistreatment and abuse, which the local police authority has dismissed as hearsay.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan's administration, while initially praised for promoting greater political space, is facing accusations of reverting to authoritarian practices similar to her predecessor, especially as election season nears. The government insists that the upcoming elections will be fair and portray Tanzania as a stable democracy, but skepticism remains prevalent among critics.
