Tanzania's recent actions against X and other platforms have raised alarms for digital freedom as the country gears up for its upcoming elections, reflecting a troubling trend of censorship ahead of increased political scrutiny.
Tanzania's Government Blocks X Over Adult Content Amid Political Tensions
Tanzania's Government Blocks X Over Adult Content Amid Political Tensions
The Tanzanian government has announced a ban on social media platform X, citing concerns over pornography that contradicts the nation's cultural standards.
In a swift move, the Tanzanian government has decided to block access to the social media site X, formerly known as Twitter, claiming that it facilitates the sharing of pornographic material that contravenes the nation's cultural, legal, and ethical standards. Information Minister Jerry Silaa made the announcement during an interview with a local television station, emphasizing that such content goes against Tanzania's customs and traditions.
Reports indicate that for the last two weeks, many Tanzanians have experienced limited access to X, especially following rising political tensions and incidents surrounding the hacking of the police’s official account, which momentarily displayed adult content and false claims regarding the president's demise. However, officials have not yet instituted a complete shutdown of the platform.
Human rights organizations, such as the Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC), have voiced concerns over Silaa's remarks, interpreting them as a sign of continuing digital repression leading up to the crucial presidential and parliamentary elections scheduled for October. As the government faces accusations of increasing authoritarianism under President Samia Suluhu Hassan, the LHRC reminded the public that similar actions were taken prior to the 2020 election, thus raising doubts about the integrity of the digital landscape in Tanzania.
While Silaa confirmed the government's role in blocking X, it was noted that government representatives continue to utilize the platform, causing ambiguity about the government's directives. The minister's justification for the ban also referenced X’s decision last year to allow the sharing of consensually produced adult content, labeling such exposure as in disagreement with Tanzania's ethical guidelines.
This digital clampdown coincides with a troubling rise in reported incidents involving activists from neighboring countries who have entered Tanzania in support of the opposition leader Tundu Lissu, currently detained on treason allegations for pushing for democratic reforms. Various activist reports include severe mistreatment, including claims of sexual abuse while in police custody.
As tensions mount, the Tanzanian police have dismissed allegations of misconduct as mere hearsay; however, regional human rights organizations and Amnesty International have called for investigations into these allegations of torture and abuse.
President Samia, who succeeded the late John Magufuli, is under scrutiny as she campaigns for election, with critics suggesting she may be adopting her predecessor’s repressive tactics despite once being seen as more liberal. The government, however, maintains that Tanzania remains a stable democracy committed to conducting free and fair elections.
Reports indicate that for the last two weeks, many Tanzanians have experienced limited access to X, especially following rising political tensions and incidents surrounding the hacking of the police’s official account, which momentarily displayed adult content and false claims regarding the president's demise. However, officials have not yet instituted a complete shutdown of the platform.
Human rights organizations, such as the Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC), have voiced concerns over Silaa's remarks, interpreting them as a sign of continuing digital repression leading up to the crucial presidential and parliamentary elections scheduled for October. As the government faces accusations of increasing authoritarianism under President Samia Suluhu Hassan, the LHRC reminded the public that similar actions were taken prior to the 2020 election, thus raising doubts about the integrity of the digital landscape in Tanzania.
While Silaa confirmed the government's role in blocking X, it was noted that government representatives continue to utilize the platform, causing ambiguity about the government's directives. The minister's justification for the ban also referenced X’s decision last year to allow the sharing of consensually produced adult content, labeling such exposure as in disagreement with Tanzania's ethical guidelines.
This digital clampdown coincides with a troubling rise in reported incidents involving activists from neighboring countries who have entered Tanzania in support of the opposition leader Tundu Lissu, currently detained on treason allegations for pushing for democratic reforms. Various activist reports include severe mistreatment, including claims of sexual abuse while in police custody.
As tensions mount, the Tanzanian police have dismissed allegations of misconduct as mere hearsay; however, regional human rights organizations and Amnesty International have called for investigations into these allegations of torture and abuse.
President Samia, who succeeded the late John Magufuli, is under scrutiny as she campaigns for election, with critics suggesting she may be adopting her predecessor’s repressive tactics despite once being seen as more liberal. The government, however, maintains that Tanzania remains a stable democracy committed to conducting free and fair elections.
