The recent ban reflects a troubling trend of digital repression that raises concerns about democratic freedoms ahead of upcoming elections.
**Tanzania Blocks Access to X Amid Claims of Digital Repression**
**Tanzania Blocks Access to X Amid Claims of Digital Repression**
Tanzania's government restricts access to social media platform X, citing cultural concerns and rising political tensions.
Tanzania has officially restricted access to the social media platform X, previously known as Twitter, due to concerns over the sharing of pornographic content, according to Information Minister Jerry Silaa. His statement highlighted that such content violates the country’s laws, culture, and traditions. Reports indicate that while access has been curtailed in recent weeks, a full shutdown has yet to be implemented.
In anticipation of upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections, this decision comes amidst rising political tensions, particularly after the hacking of a police account that led to the dissemination of pornographic materials. The Tanzanian rights group, Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC), has noted that the government's actions reflect a "troubling pattern of digital repression," reinstating fears over the status of free expression online.
The LHRC further pointed out the precedent for restrictions, recalling the similar ban experienced by X ahead of the 2020 elections. They expressed concern about the credibility of the government’s justification for the blockade when government officials continue to utilize the platform. There have also been reports of inaccessibility to other popular applications such as Clubhouse and Telegram without the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs).
Minister Silaa's remarks linked the ban to X's policy change from the previous year, in which the platform announced it would not inhibit "consensually produced and distributed" adult content. He further underscored that this was part of a broader initiative to safeguard citizens and uphold the nation’s digital ethical standards.
Concerns over censorship are underscored by a report from Netblocks, an internet watchdog, revealing that X was blocked following an incident in which its official police account was hacked, distributing misinformation about the president and sharing explicit content. This incident coincided with a broader campaign against activists from neighboring countries who have expressed solidarity with detained opposition leader Tundu Lissu, who is facing treason charges.
Human rights activists have described alarming incidents surrounding the detainment of Kenyan and Ugandan activists, with alarming accounts of sexual assault and mistreatment emerging. These allegations prompted calls from regional rights organizations and Amnesty International for immediate investigations into the reported abuses.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan's administration has faced criticism for increasingly authoritarian measures as it approaches election season. Once seen as a progressive change following the death of her predecessor John Magufuli in 2021, there are fears that her government may be reverting to limited political freedoms. Official statements assert that Tanzania enjoys a stable democracy and that the upcoming elections will be conducted fairly.
As awareness grows about these issues, observers remain vigilant about the state of human rights and digital freedom within Tanzania leading up to critical elections.
In anticipation of upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections, this decision comes amidst rising political tensions, particularly after the hacking of a police account that led to the dissemination of pornographic materials. The Tanzanian rights group, Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC), has noted that the government's actions reflect a "troubling pattern of digital repression," reinstating fears over the status of free expression online.
The LHRC further pointed out the precedent for restrictions, recalling the similar ban experienced by X ahead of the 2020 elections. They expressed concern about the credibility of the government’s justification for the blockade when government officials continue to utilize the platform. There have also been reports of inaccessibility to other popular applications such as Clubhouse and Telegram without the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs).
Minister Silaa's remarks linked the ban to X's policy change from the previous year, in which the platform announced it would not inhibit "consensually produced and distributed" adult content. He further underscored that this was part of a broader initiative to safeguard citizens and uphold the nation’s digital ethical standards.
Concerns over censorship are underscored by a report from Netblocks, an internet watchdog, revealing that X was blocked following an incident in which its official police account was hacked, distributing misinformation about the president and sharing explicit content. This incident coincided with a broader campaign against activists from neighboring countries who have expressed solidarity with detained opposition leader Tundu Lissu, who is facing treason charges.
Human rights activists have described alarming incidents surrounding the detainment of Kenyan and Ugandan activists, with alarming accounts of sexual assault and mistreatment emerging. These allegations prompted calls from regional rights organizations and Amnesty International for immediate investigations into the reported abuses.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan's administration has faced criticism for increasingly authoritarian measures as it approaches election season. Once seen as a progressive change following the death of her predecessor John Magufuli in 2021, there are fears that her government may be reverting to limited political freedoms. Official statements assert that Tanzania enjoys a stable democracy and that the upcoming elections will be conducted fairly.
As awareness grows about these issues, observers remain vigilant about the state of human rights and digital freedom within Tanzania leading up to critical elections.
