Tanzania blocks social media platform X over pornographic content

The government of Tanzania has blocked access to the social media platform X, citing the circulation of pornographic content as the reason for the restriction.

Tanzania's Minister for Information, Communication and Information Technology, Jerry Silaa made the announcement in a televised interview, noting that the deliberate move aims to protect public morals and uphold national laws governing online content.

According to Silaa, the government must oversee and manage online spaces and ensure that the content shared does not corrupt public morals, given the strong influence these platforms have on public behaviour and discourse.

"Because the internet is like the sky, what you say here will be heard by Tanzanians, whether they like it or not. That's why the government needs to ensure that online content aligns with our national values and laws," he said, according to The Citizen.

Further, Silaa referenced recent changes made to X's content policies in May 2024, after it rebranded from Twitter in 2023, which allow for the publication of pornographic material on the platform.

"Since X updated its content policies, it has permitted explicit sexual material, including same-sex pornographic content, which directly contradicts Section 16 of the national online ethics guidelines," Silaa stated.

"As a government, our duty is to ensure the safety and well-being of our people, especially the youth. Everything we do is aimed at protecting Tanzanians."

Additionally, Silaa revealed that X is not the only social media platform facing restrictions in Tanzania, noting that certain content on YouTube has also been flagged and is inaccessible in the Samia Suluhu-led nation.

"Even on YouTube, you might notice that some content is inaccessible. That's part of our broader effort to protect consumers and ensure that all online platforms operating in our country comply with our laws," he said.

As it stands, Tanzanians cannot access X without using Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). VPNs are tools that allow users to bypass internet restrictions by hiding their location and encrypting their online activity, effectively enabling access to blocked websites and platforms.

Other Topics To Read

• Tanzania
• social media tanzania
• X (formerly Twitter)
• Human rights violations Tanzania
• X platform
• Tanzania social media
• Tanzania blocks social media platform X over pornographic content
• Headlines