Tanzania Blocks Access to X (Formerly Twitter) Citing Pornographic Content and Cybersecurity Concerns

TANZANIA. On Wednesday, June 4, 2025, the Tanzanian government confirmed it had blocked access to the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter), citing violations of national laws related to online content and recent cybersecurity breaches involving government accounts.

Government Justification for the Ban
Minister for Information, Communication, and Information Technology Jerry Silaa stated that the decision to restrict access to X was due to the platform’s hosting of pornographic material, including same-sex explicit content, which contravenes Tanzanian regulations. He referenced Section 16 of the 2000 Online Content Regulations, which defines permissible online content within the country.

Silaa emphasized the government’s duty to ensure that platforms operating in Tanzania adhere to national laws and cultural norms. He noted that changes to X’s content policies in May 2024, following its rebranding, introduced material inconsistent with these standards.

Cybersecurity Incidents Preceding the Blockade
Before the content-related concerns, Tanzanian authorities reported cyberattacks on several government-linked accounts on X. Most notably, the Tanzania Police Force’s official account was compromised, resulting in unauthorized posts of pornographic images and a false announcement of President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s death. The account of Airtel Tanzania, a major telecom company, was also targeted.

Government spokesperson Gerson Msigwa downplayed the incidents as minor, assuring the public that Tanzania’s national digital systems remain secure. Investigations into the breaches are ongoing.

Access Restrictions and Legal Implications
Following the directive, access to X has been blocked nationwide. Users attempting to access the platform without a Virtual Private Network (VPN) are unsuccessful. However, Tanzanian law prohibits VPN usage without government approval, with penalties including fines or imprisonment.

The restriction has triggered public debate among citizens and digital rights advocates over issues of freedom of expression and access to information. Some users report using VPNs to circumvent the blockade despite the legal risks.

Political Context and Reactions
The move comes just months before Tanzania’s general elections in October 2025. X has served as a crucial platform for political commentary, especially for opposition leaders, activists, and journalists.

Critics argue that the government’s restriction may be aimed at limiting dissent and controlling political discourse during the election season. Officials maintain that the action is strictly about enforcing content laws and protecting citizens from harmful material.

International and Regional Developments
The situation has drawn international attention. Earlier in the week, Kenyan opposition politician Martha Karua and her delegation were denied entry into Tanzania. They had planned to attend a hearing in the treason case against Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu, who faces the death penalty if convicted.

President Hassan addressed the matter by asserting that no foreign entity would be allowed to disrupt the country’s peace, underlining her administration’s stance on protecting national sovereignty and stability during the election period.

Ongoing Developments
As the Tanzanian government continues to investigate the cyberattacks and enforce its online content laws, its approach to regulating digital platforms remains under scrutiny. The situation underscores the complex challenge governments face in balancing cybersecurity, cultural norms, legal frameworks, and freedom of expression in an increasingly digital world.

According to GhanaWeb, the government has affirmed its position amid growing criticism.