Tanzania’s recent block on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) has sparked national and international concerns, especially as the country approaches a crucial general election in October. The government cites the platform’s allowance of pornographic content—specifically “explicit sexual material, including same-sex pornographic content”—as justification for the restriction, saying it violates Tanzanian laws, culture, and online ethics guidelines.
Key Developments:
- Access Restrictions:
- X has been inaccessible for over two weeks, though not fully shut down.
- Other platforms like Clubhouse and Telegram are also blocked unless accessed via VPN.
- Government Justification:
- Information Minister Jerry Silaa confirmed the ban, citing X’s policy change to allow consensual adult content.
- He linked the move to broader “consumer protection” measures, referencing similar restrictions on YouTube.
- Contradictions & Criticism:
- Government officials and institutions continue using X, creating what the Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC) calls a “troubling pattern of digital repression”.
- Critics argue this move undermines freedom of expression and digital openness, especially ahead of the elections.
Political Tensions:
- The crackdown follows:
- The hacking of official X and YouTube accounts, including the police and tax authority, which posted pornographic content and false reports of the president’s death.
- Arrests and alleged torture of regional human rights activists, including Kenya’s Boniface Mwangi and Uganda’s Agather Atuhaire, who went to Tanzania in support of opposition leader Tundu Lissu.
- Lissu was charged with treason after threatening to boycott the election unless electoral reforms were implemented. He denies the charges, calling them politically motivated.
- President Samia Suluhu Hassan, once seen as a reformer after taking over from the late John Magufuli, is now accused of reverting to authoritarian tactics.
International Response:
- Amnesty International and regional rights groups are calling for:
- An independent investigation into the alleged abuse of activists.
- Greater transparency around digital censorship and political detentions.
- Despite claims of a free and fair election, actions like the selective censorship of social media and the targeting of opposition and activists cast doubt on democratic integrity.
