The Tanzanian government has defended its decision to restrict access to X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, citing the presence of content deemed inappropriate and illegal under national laws.
ICT Minister Jerry Silaa announced that the move responds to concerns over the platform hosting pornographic material that conflicts with Tanzania’s moral and legal standards.
In a televised interview, Minister Silaa emphasized that the government’s decision was a necessary step to uphold the country’s values and protect its citizens, particularly the youth.
“Because the internet is like the sky, what you say here will be heard by Tanzanians, whether they like it or not,” he remarked. “It’s our duty to ensure that online content aligns with our national laws and cultural norms.”
The government’s action is rooted in the 2000 Online Content Regulations, specifically Section 16, which delineates permissible online material.
Minister Silaa pointed out that recent updates to X’s content policies in May 2024, following its rebranding from Twitter in 2023, have introduced explicit sexual content, including same-sex pornography, which violates Tanzanian laws and the country’s moral standards.
“Such material is illegal and undermines our traditions and cultural values,” he stated.
“Our primary responsibility is to safeguard the well-being of our people, especially our youth, from harmful online content.”
The move has sparked varied reactions across Tanzania. Many users have reported difficulties accessing X, often resorting to Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to bypass the restrictions.
The government also indicated that other platforms, such as YouTube, are being monitored to ensure compliance with national laws, and some content may also be restricted on these services.
This development underscores the ongoing debate surrounding digital rights, freedom of expression, and government regulation of online spaces in Tanzania.
As authorities continue to enforce content regulations, discussions about balancing regulation with freedom of access are likely to persist.
