Rights group slams Tanzania over X shutdown

Tanzanian human rights group has condemned the government’s decision to block access to the social media platform X, terming it a form of digital repression.

On Wednesday, June 4, Tanzania blocked access to X, citing the spread of pornographic content that contravenes their law and order.

However, according to the Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC), “These actions collectively represent a troubling pattern of digital repression that undermines democratic principles and civic engagement.”

“We strongly emphasise that such measures must be proportionate, transparent, and respectful of fundamental human rights, particularly the rights to freedom of expression and access to information,” added LHRC Acting Executive Director Fulgence Massawe.

This is not the first time the Tanzanian government has shut down the platform. 

During the 2020 General Election, the country experienced a similar blackout, which, according to LHRC, “Raises serious concerns about the openness of the digital civic space in Tanzania.”

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The Tanzanian government has also restricted access to the social audio app Clubhouse and the Telegram messaging service, which are now only accessible via Virtual Private Networks (VPNs).

According to LHRC, despite the ban, government officials and public institutions continue to use X.

“This inconsistency confuses the public and undermines the credibility of the government's position,” the rights group noted, adding that the block limits citizens’ ability to communicate and organise and cripples the work of various groups who rely on digital tools to monitor, report, and advocate for accountability and good governance.

LHRC is now calling on the Tanzanian government to restore access to X, Clubhouse, Telegram, and any other restricted platforms, uphold the Constitution, and respect access to information and digital rights.

They also want the government to ensure transparency in digital regulation processes and engage stakeholders in developing content moderation policies that respect human rights.