Tanzania Bans Social Media Platform X Over Explicit Content and Cybersecurity Fears
Tanzania Bans Social Media Platform X Over Explicit Content and Cybersecurity Fears
The Tanzanian government has shut down access to the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, citing the spread of pornographic content and a recent cyberattack as major threats to national law and cultural values.
Tanzania’s Minister of Information, Communication, and Technology, Grace Mushi confirmed the ban during a press briefing. According to Mushi, the platform’s failure to regulate adult content and its role in spreading misinformation violate the country’s Cybercrimes Act and ethical standards.
“This platform has become a breeding ground for illegal and immoral content, we will not allow any channel that undermines our legal system and cultural heritage to operate freely within our borders.” Minister Mushi said.
The decision follows a cyberattack in which hackers took control of several verified accounts, including that of the Tanzania Police Force. The compromised accounts published explicit content and false alerts about a national emergency, prompting immediate backlash and security concerns.
While some users have managed to bypass the ban using VPNs, the government’s move has raised serious concerns about internet freedom especially with national elections just months away.
The Tanzania Digital Rights Coalition criticized the government’s actions. Amani Kweka warned that the shutdown threatens democratic processes and access to information is vital in any democracy.