Tanzania Blocks Access to X (formally Twitter) Over Pornographic Content

Tanzania’s government has officially confirmed the restriction of access to the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), citing its allowance of explicit sexual content, including same-sex pornography, as a violation of the country’s legal, cultural, and moral standards.

Speaking in a televised interview, Minister for Information, Communication and Information Technology, Jerry Silaa, defended the government’s decision as a necessary measure to uphold the East African nation’s values and protect its citizens—especially the youth—from harmful digital content.

“The internet is like the sky—what is said online will be heard by Tanzanians, whether they like it or not,” said Silaa. “That’s why it’s important for the government to ensure that online content aligns with our national values and laws.”

Silaa pointed to the Online Content Regulations of 2020, specifically Section 16, which outlines prohibited material. He explained that changes to X’s content policies in 2024—which allowed “consensually produced and distributed” adult material—directly breached Tanzanian law.

“X has permitted explicit sexual content, including same-sex pornographic material, which is contrary to Section 16 of our online ethics guidelines,” the minister stated. “Such content is illegal and undermines our traditions and cultural norms.”

Silaa also highlighted that other platforms, such as YouTube, have similarly had some content blocked in line with government efforts to ensure compliance with national regulations.

A Pattern of Digital Repression?

The move comes amid increasing scrutiny from human rights organisations and digital rights defenders, who warn of a growing trend of online censorship ahead of Tanzania’s general elections slated for October 2025.

The Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC) noted on X that the restriction mirrors actions taken ahead of the 2020 elections, when Twitter faced a similar blackout. The group described the restriction as part of a “troubling pattern of digital repression”.

“This inconsistency—blocking the platform while officials continue to use it—undermines the credibility of the government’s position,” LHRC stated.

The group also noted that access to Clubhouse and Telegram has been similarly limited unless users rely on Virtual Private Networks (VPNs).

Political Tensions and Allegations of Abuse

The restriction on X coincides with rising political tension in the country. On 20 May, watchdog group NetBlocks reported a disruption of access to X, following the hacking of the Tanzanian police’s official account. Pornographic material was posted, and false claims were made about President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s death. The YouTube account of the Tanzania Revenue Authority was also reportedly hacked.

The timing of these events is significant. They occurred amid a government crackdown on Kenyan and Ugandan human rights activists who had travelled to Tanzania in solidarity with detained opposition leader Tundu Lissu. Lissu, a vocal critic of the ruling party, faces treason charges for calling for an election boycott if democratic reforms are not enacted.

Among those affected were Kenya’s former Justice Minister Martha Karua, who was deported, and Ugandan activist Agather Atuhaire, who has since alleged she was blindfolded, violently stripped, and sexually assaulted in custody. Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi echoed similar claims upon his return.

Regional human rights bodies and Amnesty International have demanded an independent investigation into these allegations, describing the reported abuse as “inhuman” and “unacceptable”.

Government Defends Its Actions

Despite mounting criticism, President Samia has stood firm, warning against what she termed “foreign interference” in Tanzania’s internal affairs. She insists that her government is committed to stability and lawful governance, stating that the upcoming elections will be “free and fair”.

Initially celebrated for promoting greater political openness following the death of her predecessor John Magufuli, President Samia is now facing growing accusations of authoritarianism as she prepares for her first electoral test.

The government maintains that its digital restrictions are guided by law and are intended to protect Tanzanian citizens—not silence dissent.