Keypoints:
- X blocked for hosting explicit and LGBTQ+ content
- Previous suspension followed cyberattacks on state accounts
- Critics warn of rising online censorship before elections
THE Tanzanian government has blocked access to X (formerly Twitter), accusing the platform of promoting pornographic and LGBTQ+ content that it says violates national laws and cultural standards.
The move, confirmed by Information Minister Jerry Silaa, follows an update in X’s content policies that permits explicit sexual material, including same-sex content — a position the government says is incompatible with Tanzania’s legal and moral codes.
Government cites legal and cultural breach
‘Platforms that promote illegal and immoral content under the guise of free expression cannot be permitted in Tanzania,’ Silaa said during a press conference this week.
The minister added that Tanzanians found using VPNs to bypass the ban could face prosecution, including fines or imprisonment, as part of the broader enforcement of cyber laws.
Past cyberattack led to earlier suspension
X had previously faced restrictions in the country. In May 2025, the government temporarily blocked the platform after hackers took control of several verified Tanzanian accounts, including those of the police and Airtel Tanzania.
The attackers posted explicit images and falsely announced the death of President Samia Suluhu Hassan. Authorities dismissed the breach as minor but acknowledged ongoing investigations to trace those responsible.
Critics decry growing digital crackdown
Opposition parties and digital rights advocates have raised the alarm over the move, calling it an attempt to silence dissent ahead of Tanzania’s general elections in October.
‘Blocking platforms like X doesn’t just limit access to information — it shuts down vital channels for political engagement and free expression,’ said one Dar es Salaam-based civil society leader.
Analysts warn that the ban adds to a growing pattern of online censorship in the country, with fears that more platforms could face restrictions in the lead-up to the polls.
Tensions grow between values and freedoms
Tanzania’s government has long emphasised the need to protect cultural and religious values online. But this latest action has ignited fresh debate over how to balance local norms with digital rights, especially in a politically sensitive climate.
As the election approaches, the tension between safeguarding traditional values and preserving space for public discourse is likely to intensify — with platforms like X caught squarely in the middle.
