Tanzania’s government has decided to block access to social media platform X, citing the sharing of pornographic content that is contrary to the country’s laws, culture, and traditions.
Information Minister Jerry Silaa stated that the platform’s allowance of explicit adult content breaches Tanzania’s online ethics guidelines.
The move comes amid heightened political tensions and a government crackdown on human rights campaigners from Kenya and Uganda.
A Tanzanian rights group has accused the government of digital repression ahead of the October presidential and parliamentary elections, noting that government officials and public institutions continue to use the platform despite the ban.
The group has raised concerns about the inconsistency and credibility of the government’s position.