The Tanzanian government has made the decision to block the social media platform X, citing concerns over the sharing of pornographic content that contradicts the nation’s laws and cultural values. Information Minister Jerry Silaa announced this policy change during a local TV broadcast, stating that the platform’s permissiveness regarding explicit material violates the East African country's "ethics guidelines."
Tanzania Moves to Block Social Media Platform X Over Pornography Concerns
Tanzania Moves to Block Social Media Platform X Over Pornography Concerns
Tanzania's government restricts access to X amid rising political tensions and allegations of digital repression ahead of upcoming elections.
Since the beginning of September, reports have indicated that many users have experienced restricted access to X, especially following the hacking of the Tanzanian police account, which displayed inappropriate material. Human rights groups, including the Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC), have condemned this action, suggesting it reflects a pattern of increasing digital repression, particularly with Tanzania's presidential and parliamentary elections approaching in October.
Concerns have been raised about the continuity of the government's disconnection from the public's use of these platforms, as public officials continue to utilize X while it is largely inaccessible to average citizens. Silaa linked the ban to X's policy change to allow a wider range of adult content, further exacerbating worries about the implications for online discourse in Tanzania.
This recent crackdown coincides with heightened tensions involving regional activists who have faced deportations and accusations of human rights abuses while in custody, raising alarms about the government's respect for freedoms of expression and association. Critics argue that the current administration under President Samia Suluhu Hassan is reverting to authoritarian practices reminiscent of her predecessor amid an ongoing struggle for a fair electoral process.
International rights organizations are calling for investigations into allegations of mistreatment of detainees while stressing that Tanzania must uphold its commitments to human rights and free expression as it prepares for its upcoming elections.
As tensions rise, this administration, which once appeared committed to political freedoms, now faces scrutiny over its dedication to civil liberties and democratic norms, revealing the complex interplay of digital and political freedoms in contemporary Tanzania.
The government maintains its stance that the elections will be free and fair, asserting Tanzania’s position as a stable democracy while critics remain unconvinced.
Concerns have been raised about the continuity of the government's disconnection from the public's use of these platforms, as public officials continue to utilize X while it is largely inaccessible to average citizens. Silaa linked the ban to X's policy change to allow a wider range of adult content, further exacerbating worries about the implications for online discourse in Tanzania.
This recent crackdown coincides with heightened tensions involving regional activists who have faced deportations and accusations of human rights abuses while in custody, raising alarms about the government's respect for freedoms of expression and association. Critics argue that the current administration under President Samia Suluhu Hassan is reverting to authoritarian practices reminiscent of her predecessor amid an ongoing struggle for a fair electoral process.
International rights organizations are calling for investigations into allegations of mistreatment of detainees while stressing that Tanzania must uphold its commitments to human rights and free expression as it prepares for its upcoming elections.
As tensions rise, this administration, which once appeared committed to political freedoms, now faces scrutiny over its dedication to civil liberties and democratic norms, revealing the complex interplay of digital and political freedoms in contemporary Tanzania.
The government maintains its stance that the elections will be free and fair, asserting Tanzania’s position as a stable democracy while critics remain unconvinced.
