Following a hacking incident that compromised the official police account, Tanzanian authorities have limited access to the social media platform X. While the police dissociated themselves from false content posted during the hack, officials reassured the public that investigations are ongoing to identify the individuals behind the breach.
Tanzania Restricts Access to X Amid Hacking Incident Targeting Police Accounts
Tanzania Restricts Access to X Amid Hacking Incident Targeting Police Accounts
Government and private social media accounts in Tanzania were hacked, prompting restricted access to the platform known as X.
The Tanzanian police have initiated a probe following a series of hacking incidents that have compromised social media accounts of both governmental and private institutions. On Tuesday, the official police account was notably hijacked, with hackers posting sexually explicit materials and false claims regarding the president's death. In response, the police disavowed the misleading content and announced that they were working to uncover the culprits behind the attack.
Shortly after the breach, internet monitoring group Netblocks reported significant restrictions on access to the platform X, indicating that it was "unreachable on major internet providers" across Tanzania. Residents in Dar es Salaam, the nation’s largest city, experienced difficulties logging into the site on Wednesday. While some users attempted to access X through virtual private networks (VPNs)—which require official permission—others reported intermittent success, albeit without clarification from authorities on the imposed restrictions.
Information Minister Jerry Silaa has confirmed the hacking incident, assuring Members of Parliament that the affected government accounts have been secured. Government spokesman Gerson Msigwa reiterated that officials were taking swift action against those responsible for the breach.
This surge in cybersecurity issues comes at a time of mounting political tension, particularly concerning the deportation of several prominent Kenyan activists which hindered their attendance at an important court case involving opposition leader Tundu Lissu. Speaking to parliament, the president emphasized her commitment to maintaining order, stating that she would not tolerate external interference aimed at inciting chaos.
Moreover, Boniface Mwangi, a well-known activist, and Ugandan Agather Atuhaire were reportedly detained by suspected military personnel on Monday. As concerns mount regarding their whereabouts, Mwangi’s wife has expressed her fears for his safety, noting that he has not made any contact since his arrest, heightening alarm over the situation.
The President of the Tanganyika Law Society, Boniface Mwabukusi, indicated that the legal team is engaged with the case, exploring measures to ensure a just resolution for the detained activists. As citizens remain vigilant, the unfolding events signal a critical point in the intersection of governance, civil rights, and digital security in Tanzania.
