The Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Jim Risch, has expressed deep concern over reports that US-based technology companies are blocking Tanzanians’ access to social media.
In a statement on December 5, Jim Risch stated that the US-tech firms block individuals targeted by the Tanzanian government, including some living in the United States.
“I am also concerned by reports that U.S.-based tech companies are blocking social media access for individuals targeted by the Tanzanian government—including some in the United States,” read part of the statement.
He noted that the Biden Administration’s previous efforts to regulate social media in the U.S. had harmed political and civic discourse.
The senator stated that it remains unacceptable that similar measures are now reportedly being carried out in Tanzania at the request of its government.
“We have already seen the harmful effects of the former Biden Administration’s efforts to police social media on political and civic discourse in our own country. For this to be happening in Tanzania at that government’s request is unacceptable,” read part of the statement.
The Senator said the ongoing repression in Tanzania, including cases against Christian leaders, threatens regional stability and requires thorough examination.
Meta Confirms Blocking Maria Sarungi and Mange Kimambi’s Accounts
This follows after Facebook’s parent company, Meta, confirmed that it blocked the accounts of prominent Tanzanian activists Maria Sarungi-Tsehai and Mange Kimambi on its other platform, Instagram.
The move 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.
Also Read: Meta Confirms Blocking Maria Sarungi and Mange Kimambi’s Accounts
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.
Also Read: US Announces Review of Its Relationship With Tanzania
Tanzania Blocks Internet
Tanzania has been accused of shutting down internet access and restricting social media during recent elections, amid widespread protests across the country.
Internet blackouts in Tanzania were first reported on October 29, the day citizens went to the polls. Media and human rights organizations have strongly condemned the government for using internet censorship to suppress political discourse.
According to global internet monitor NetBlocks, Tanzania may still be restricting access to several social media and messaging platforms, including TikTok, Telegram, and Facebook Messenger.
On 3 November, NetBlocks reported: “Live metrics show widespread restrictions to multiple social media and messaging platforms as Tanzania comes back online after a five-day internet shutdown; the incident continues to limit election transparency and the free flow of information.”
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