Tanzania blocks access to X over pornography

Tanzania has confirmed it is restricting access to the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, citing its tolerance for pornographic content as the reason. The move comes amid growing political tensions ahead of the country’s general elections in October.

Information Minister Jerry Silaa told local media that the decision was driven by concerns over content that violates Tanzania’s laws and traditional values.

Although users across the country have reported challenges accessing X for over two weeks, there has not been a full-scale blackout. Reports of restrictions emerged shortly after hackers took control of the official Tanzanian police account, sharing graphic content and spreading false claims, including the supposed death of President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

Digital rights advocates have expressed alarm. The Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC), a Tanzanian rights group, called the move a “troubling pattern of digital repression,” recalling a similar clampdown on social media in the lead-up to the 2020 elections.

Adding to the criticism, the group questioned the inconsistency of government officials continuing to use the platform even as it is being restricted for the general public.

In his remarks, Minister Silaa referenced X’s policy change last year that permits the sharing of “consensually produced” adult content. He also hinted that other platforms, including YouTube, are being monitored and restricted in line with Tanzania’s online safety rules. Popular apps like Clubhouse and Telegram are already only accessible via VPNs.

The restriction comes as the government cracks down on regional human rights activists and opposition figures. Opposition leader Tundu Lissu was recently detained on charges of treason after calling for an election boycott unless laws are reformed to ensure a free and fair vote. Human rights campaigners from Kenya and Uganda who traveled to Tanzania in solidarity were arrested, with some reporting abuse during their detention.

Kenya’s former Justice Minister Martha Karua was deported shortly after arriving in Dar es Salaam, while other activists were allegedly blindfolded, stripped, and sexually assaulted while in custody. Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi and Ugandan journalist Agather Atuhaire both detailed harrowing experiences after their release. Mwangi claimed he was tortured and sarcastically ordered to thank President Samia.

Tanzanian police have dismissed the allegations as unsubstantiated, calling them “hearsay.” But rights groups, including Amnesty International, have called for independent investigations and accountability for what they described as “inhuman” treatment of detainees.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who took over from the late John Magufuli in 2021, was initially celebrated for opening up the political space. But critics now accuse her of mirroring her predecessor’s authoritarian style as she prepares to seek a fresh mandate under the ruling party.

Despite the growing concerns, the government insists Tanzania remains a stable democracy and that the upcoming elections will be free and fair.