Facebook parent company Meta has confirmed that it blocked the accounts of prominent Tanzanian activists Maria Sarungi-Tsehai and Mange Kimambi on its other platform, Instagram.
This comes at a time when the company is facing growing criticism after disabling the accounts of the two activists and restricting access to others within Tanzania.
The move has sparked outrage among digital rights advocates, who accuse Meta of aiding President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s administration in silencing the issues addressed by the people of Tanzania following the post-election violence witnessed in the East African nation in October.
While confirming the blocking of Sarungi’s account on Thursday, a Meta Spokesperson said the action followed a legal order from the Tanzanian government.
The company also told CNN‘s Larry Madowo that activist Mange Kimambi was banned from Instagram and WhatsApp for repeatedly violating its rules.
Statement for Mange Kimambi question:
“While we believe freedom of expression is a fundamental right and that our platforms should be a place where users around the world can exercise this right, we have strict rules about what is and isn’t allowed on our platforms. These Instagram accounts were removed for violating our recidivism policy. We don’t allow people to create new accounts that are similar to those we’ve previously removed for violating our Community Standards.”
Also Read: Meta Confirms Blocking Maria Sarungi and Mange Kimambi’s Accounts
Statement for Maria Sarungi question:
“We believe freedom of expression is a fundamental right and that our platforms should be a place where users around the world can exercise this right. Following a legal order from Tanzanian regulators, we have restricted access to this Instagram account in Tanzania in response to regulatory demands.”
Reacting to the response by Meta, Maria in a statement on X claimed Meta did not notify her of the action taken.
“I need @meta @instagram to explain why they did not notify me at all and for transparency what “legal order” does a mere Regulatory Authority in Tanzania have over a US based company!” she said.
Also Read: Meta to Introduce New Moderation Changes Before Trump Takes Office
On her part, Kimambi, known for her outspoken digital activism, had shared a screenshot of the notification she received informing her that her Instagram account, mangekimambi80, had been permanently disabled for alleged violations of community standards.
The message indicated that the account could not be restored, all associated information would be deleted, and she was not permitted to request another review, effectively shutting down one of her most influential online platforms.
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