Tanzania's Government Restricts Access to Social Media Platform X Amid Concerns of Content Regulation

Tanzania's government has decided to restrict access to X, citing concerns over pornographic content that contradicts the country’s legal and cultural standards. This action, coinciding with rising political tensions, has raised alarms among human rights organizations regarding freedom of expression and internet governance as the country approaches crucial elections.

Tanzania has officially announced a restriction on access to the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, as part of its efforts to combat what it terms "pornographic" material being shared on the site. Information Minister Jerry Silaa articulated this decision during a local television interview, asserting that content disseminated on X contradicts the nation's "laws, culture, customs, and traditions."

Reports from Tanzanian users indicate that access to X has been limited in recent weeks, following an increase in political unrest and a controversial hacking incident related to the police's official account. However, a complete shutdown of the platform has yet to be implemented.

The Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC), a local rights group, criticized the government's move, labeling it a "troubling pattern of digital repression" as Tanzania gears up for presidential and parliamentary elections in October. President Samia Suluhu Hassan's administration has faced accusations of escalating authoritarianism while seeking to retain power. The LHRC noted that similar restrictions were imposed on X during the lead-up to the 2020 elections, raising further concerns about digital freedoms in Tanzania.

Silaa justified the ban by referencing X's recent policy shift, which permitted "consensually produced and distributed" adult content, arguing it contradicts Tanzania's online ethics guidelines. He elaborated that part of their broader strategy involves ensuring compliance across all digital platforms with national laws, highlighting ongoing access issues with other applications like Clubhouse and Telegram, also restricted without the use of VPNs.

Reports indicate that the platform was particularly vulnerable following a hacking incident on May 20, which displayed explicit content and mistakenly announced the president's death. The hacking coincided with a government clampdown on activists from Kenya and Uganda expressing solidarity with opposition leader Tundu Lissu, who has faced treason charges after advocating for electoral reforms.

Several activists, including Kalonzo Musyoka from Kenya, have been detained or deported under controversial circumstances. Claims emerged from activists about mistreatment while in custody, including allegations of sexual abuse and torture. Dar es Salaam's police have dismissed these claims, calling them mere "opinions" rather than factual reports.

Amnesty International and regional rights groups have urged Tanzanian authorities to investigate these allegations of mistreatment, with critics of President Hassan cautioning that her regime mimics the autocratic style of her predecessor, John Magufuli. While the government insists that the upcoming elections will uphold democratic integrity, dissenting voices fear for the future of civic freedoms and digital rights in Tanzania.