Silaa said the content violated the country’s “laws, culture, customs, and traditions.”
Tanzania has moved to block access to X, formerly Twitter, over concerns that the platform hosts pornographic content, Information Minister Jerry Silaa confirmed.
Speaking to local media, Silaa said the content violated the country’s “laws, culture, customs, and traditions.” He linked the action to X’s policy change last year allowing “consensually produced and distributed” adult material, including same-sex pornography, which he said breached Tanzania’s online ethics guidelines.
Rights groups have raised concerns over growing digital restrictions. The Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC) called the move a “troubling pattern of digital repression” ahead of the October elections, noting that similar shutdowns occurred in 2020.
“The recurrence of restrictions raises serious concerns about the openness of digital space,” LHRC said, criticizing the government for continuing to use X while banning citizens.
Users have also reported restricted access to Clubhouse and Telegram without VPNs.
Silaa emphasized the government’s duty to “protect consumers” and ensure compliance with local laws.
Tanzania’s government insists elections will be free and fair despite opposition fears.