Tanzania has officially blocked access to the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), with the government citing the circulation of pornographic material as the primary reason for the shutdown. The Information Minister, Jerry Silaa, stated in a televised interview that the platform’s allowance of explicit sexual content, including same-sex pornography, violates Tanzania’s laws, culture, customs, and traditions.
Minister Silaa explained that the decision aims to protect public morals and ensure that all online platforms comply with the country’s legal and ethical standards. He referenced changes made by X in May 2024, which permit “consensually produced and distributed” adult content, a policy shift that conflicts with Tanzania’s national online ethics guidelines.
The ban follows a series of cyberattacks targeting official government accounts on X, including the Tanzania Police Force’s page, which was hacked to post pornographic images and false claims such as the death of President Samia Suluhu Hassan. Similar breaches affected other government-linked accounts, including the tax authority’s YouTube channel.
Access to X has been restricted since late May, with many Tanzanians unable to use the platform unless they employ Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). However, the use of VPNs without government authorization is illegal in Tanzania, limiting the practical ability of most users to bypass the ban.
Political Context and Human Rights Concerns
The shutdown occurs amid rising political tensions ahead of Tanzania’s October 2025 presidential and parliamentary elections. The government has faced criticism for increasing repression, including crackdowns on opposition figures and human rights activists. Notably, opposition leader Tundu Lissu is facing treason charges, which he denies, describing them as politically motivated.
Human rights organizations, including Tanzania’s Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC), have condemned the ban as part of a disturbing pattern of digital repression. The LHRC has called for the immediate restoration of access to X and other restricted platforms like Clubhouse and Telegram, urging the government to uphold freedom of expression and digital rights.
The rights group also criticized the government’s inconsistent approach, noting that while ordinary citizens are blocked from accessing X, government officials and institutions continue to use the platform, undermining the credibility of the ban.
Government’s Broader Digital Regulation Efforts
Minister Silaa emphasized that regulating online content is essential to protect Tanzanian values and safeguard especially young people from harmful material. He noted that restrictions also apply to some content on YouTube and other platforms as part of a wider effort to enforce national laws governing digital spaces.
The government maintains that these measures are necessary to preserve public order and morality, given the internet’s wide-reaching influence on society.
