Tanzania has confirmed that the government blocked access to the social media platform X (formerly Twitter).
This comes after internet watchdog NetBlocks on Tuesday, May 20, reported that the Tanzanian government had blocked X hours after the country’s police force’s account on the social media platform was hacked and began posting false information, such as claims that President Samia Suluhu was dead.
Data by NetBlocks showed that the billionaire Elon Musk-owned platform was down across Tanzania’s major Internet Service Providers (ISPs) Halotel, Airtel, Vodacom, Liquid Telecom, and Habari Node.
“Live metrics show X (formerly Twitter) has become unreachable on major internet providers in #Tanzania; the incident comes as a compromised police account posts claims the President has died, angering the country’s leadership,” the London-based internet freedom monitor said in an update some minutes past 9 p.m. EAT.
Minister explains why the government blocked X
Information, Communication, and Information Technology Minister Jerry Silaa, confirming the decision on Wednesday, June 4, said it was a deliberate step by the government to enforce digital content regulations and protect national values.
The minister cited the hosting of pornographic content on the platform, stating that it “contravenes Tanzanian laws” and that the platform’s tolerance of such material violates the country’s legal and moral standards, prompting the ban.
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Silaa noted that adjustments made to X’s content policies in May 2024, after its 2023 rebranding from Twitter, led to the introduction of material that violates these regulations.
He referred to the 2000 Online Content Regulations, particularly Section 16, which defines the types of allowable online content.
“Because the internet is like the sky, what you say here will be heard by Tanzanians, whether they like it or not. That’s why it’s important for the government to ensure that online content aligns with our national values and laws,” said Silaa.
“Since X updated its content policies, it has permitted explicit sexual material, including same-sex pornographic content, which directly contradicts Section 16 of the national online ethics guidelines.”
The minister also noted that X is not the only platform under scrutiny.
“Even on YouTube, you might notice that some content is inaccessible. That’s part of our broader effort to protect consumers and ensure that all online platforms operating in our country comply with our laws,” added.
Tanzania blocks access to X after Police handle is hacked
The report by Netblocks came after the Tanzania Police Force X handle (@tanpol), which has over 470,000 followers, was compromised.
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The account even held a live broadcast. However, authorities later regained control of the account and said they were pursuing the culprits.
The hack notably came amid the ongoing uproar against President Suluhu’s administration after several East African activists and lawyers were deported and others arrested.
This was after the group travelled to the country to observe the treason trial of opposition leader Tundu Lissu.
Kenyan activist and photojournalist Boniface Mwangi, along with his Ugandan counterpart, human rights defender Agather Atuhaire, were arrested in Dar es Salaam by suspected military officers and later dumped near the borders of their respective countries after enduring days of torture.
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