Tanzania Limits Access to X Amid Social Media Security Breach

Following a hacking incident that compromised several official social media accounts, Tanzania has restricted access to the platform X, prompting concerns over internet freedom. This situation unfolds amid tensions related to the deportation of Kenyan activists involved in a high-profile case.

Following a significant security breach, Tanzania has imposed restrictions on the social media platform X, which has caused widespread concern among its users. The move comes as the country's police has confirmed an investigation into hackers who targeted their official accounts, leading to the dissemination of explicit content and false claims about the president's death.

On Tuesday, the breach saw the police's official account compromised, resulting in misleading information being shared with the public. The police promptly distanced themselves from the erroneous posts and initiated steps to identify those responsible for the incident. By Wednesday, reports from Netblocks indicated that access to X was "unreachable on major internet providers" throughout the nation, a situation that further escalated as users in Dar es Salaam sought access through virtual private networks (VPNs)—an act that, notably, is illegal unless authorized.

While the authorities have yet to issue a formal statement about the reasons behind the abrupt restriction on X, Tanzania’s Information Minister Jerry Silaa acknowledged the breach and reassured members of parliament that the affected accounts had been secured. Simultaneously, government spokesman Gerson Msigwa issued a stern warning to the hackers, emphasizing that decisive actions would be enforced against those behind the attacks.

Access issues to the platform coincide with growing tension regarding the deportation of prominent Kenyan activists who were in Tanzania to support opposition leader Tundu Lissu during a treason trial. The Tanzanian president's recent statements condemned foreign meddling in domestic affairs, characterizing it as a source of potential chaos. This unrest deepened after several Kenyan figures, including former Justice Minister Martha Karua, were forcibly deported, sparking outrage both locally and in Kenya.

Meanwhile, two other activists—Boniface Mwangi from Kenya and Ugandan Agather Atuhaire—were reported missing after being allegedly detained by Tanzanian military personnel. Their families have expressed deep concern for their wellbeing, reflecting broader fears about state repression and the safety of political dissidents in the region.

Tanzanian human rights representatives, including a spokesperson for the Tanganyika Law Society, have stated they are actively monitoring the situation and seeking legal remedies to aid those detained. The convergence of these events highlights the complexities of political dynamics in Tanzania, especially concerning digital communication, transparency, and civil liberties.