Tanzania has moved to block access to the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, with authorities citing the sharing of pornographic content as the primary reason. The country’s Information Minister, Jerry Silaa, stated that such material violates Tanzania’s laws, cultural values, and online ethics guidelines.
Silaa made the announcement during a televised interview, saying the decision was consistent with government efforts to regulate online platforms operating within the country. He specifically pointed to X’s policy shift last year allowing the distribution of consensual adult content, including same-sex pornography, which he said breached national online standards.
Though the government has not confirmed a full shutdown, Tanzanians have reported growing difficulty accessing X over the past two weeks. The disruption followed a series of incidents, including the hacking of the official police X account, which displayed pornographic content and falsely announced the death of President Samia Suluhu Hassan. The tax authority’s YouTube account was also compromised with similar material, according to AFP.
The timing of the ban has raised political concerns, especially with the October presidential and parliamentary elections approaching. The Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC) criticized the move as part of a “troubling pattern of digital repression,” reminiscent of X’s temporary suspension before the 2020 elections. The rights group also highlighted the continued use of X by government officials despite the ban, calling it contradictory and undermining the government’s credibility.
The clampdown comes amid heightened political tensions in Tanzania. Opposition leader Tundu Lissu, who has been charged with treason after threatening to boycott the elections unless electoral reforms are enacted, remains in detention. His arrest drew support from regional activists, some of whom were detained, deported, or allegedly subjected to abuse.
Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi and Ugandan journalist Agather Atuhaire, both detained during their visit to show solidarity with Lissu, have accused Tanzanian security agents of sexual assault and torture. Mwangi claimed he was ordered to thank the president during his ordeal, while Atuhaire described being blindfolded, stripped, and assaulted. Tanzanian police have denied the allegations, dismissing them as hearsay.
Regional human rights groups have called for a thorough investigation, and Amnesty International urged accountability for the reported abuses. President Samia, who succeeded the late John Magufuli in 2021, initially drew praise for expanding political freedoms. However, critics now accuse her of reverting to repressive tactics as she campaigns for re-election.
Despite mounting criticism, the Tanzanian government maintains that the country remains a stable democracy and that the upcoming elections will be conducted freely and fairly.