Tanzania Blocks Access to X Over Pornographic Content

The Government of Tanzania has officially announced the shutdown of access to social media platform X, citing concerns over the proliferation of pornographic content that violates national laws and cultural values.

Minister of Information, Communication, and Technology, Jerry Silaa, confirmed the decision in a televised interview, stating that X has permitted explicit sexual material, including same-sex pornographic content, which contradicts Tanzania’s online ethics guidelines.

The restriction follows reports that the official police account on X was hacked, displaying inappropriate content and spreading false information about President Samia Suluhu Hassan. The government has emphasized that this move is part of a broader effort to regulate digital spaces and ensure compliance with national laws.

Rights groups have raised concerns over the shutdown, arguing that it reflects a troubling pattern of digital repression ahead of the country’s upcoming elections in October. The Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC) has urged the government to restore access to X and other restricted platforms, emphasizing the importance of freedom of expression and digital rights.

Despite the shutdown, government officials and public institutions continue to use X, leading to criticism over inconsistencies in the enforcement of the ban.