Tanzania has once again restricted access to the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), leading to growing concerns about digital freedoms within the country. This is the second incident in less than a year where the government has imposed such limitations, prompting discussions around censorship and online expression.
On May 20, the internet observatory group NetBlocks verified the disruption, reporting that X was unreachable among major internet service providers in Tanzania. The outage reportedly stems from a cybersecurity incident involving the official X account of the Tanzania Police Force (TANPOL), which was allegedly hacked to disseminate false information regarding President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
While the government has not issued an official statement clarifying the reasons behind the shutdown, human rights groups have expressed alarm, emphasizing that such actions undermine free speech and democratic accountability. Critics of Tanzania’s digital censorship point to an increasing trend of restrictions on social media which have persisted for years.
Historically, Tanzania has tightened its control over digital platforms through regulations such as the Electronic and Postal Communications (Online Content) Regulations initially passed in 2017 and subsequently amended in 2020. These regulations made it illegal to share content deemed obscene, hateful, or disruptive. In the lead-up to the 2020 general elections, widespread restrictions were placed on social media and messaging apps, making platforms like Twitter, WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram difficult to access.
In early 2024, major Internet Service Providers blocked access to X, which has raised alarms once again about the erosion of online freedoms. This move came after police accused the opposition party CHADEMA of using Zoom to organize protests. Moreover, earlier this month, authorities intensified the enforcement of the 2017 online content law, resulting in the shutdown of over 80,000 websites and social media accounts, a move critics deemed as Tanzania’s largest digital purge to date, despite official claims linking it to child protection.
The recent actions in Tanzania are part of a worrying trend across Africa, where internet shutdowns and restrictions on free speech have become more prevalent. As these situations unfold, the necessity for dialogue surrounding digital rights and freedoms remains urgent and crucial for the country’s democratic processes.
In light of the situation, it is hopeful that continued advocacy from human rights groups could foster awareness and ultimately lead to a more open digital landscape in Tanzania in the future.