Dar es Salaam, Tanzania – June 5, 2025
The Tanzanian government has blocked access to the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, citing concerns over the platform’s failure to regulate content that violates the country’s laws and cultural norms.
According to the Minister of Information, Communication, and Information Technology, Jerry Silaa, the decision to block X was made after the platform allowed the sharing of pornographic content, including same-sex explicit material, which is prohibited in Tanzania. The minister also cited a recent hacking incident involving the Tanzania Police Force’s X account, which spread false information about the President’s death and explicit content.
The blockage means that Tanzanians will no longer be able to access X without using a Virtual Private Network (VPN), which is prohibited without official authorization. The move has raised concerns about digital repression and restrictions on freedom of expression, particularly ahead of the October presidential and parliamentary elections.
The government has stated that the blockage is a deliberate step to enforce Tanzania’s Online Content Regulations and protect national values. The move is seen as part of a broader effort to regulate online content and ensure that social media platforms comply with Tanzanian laws and cultural norms.
The blockage of X has sparked a mixed reaction, with some supporting the government’s move to protect national values, while others have expressed concerns about the impact on freedom of expression and access to information.