Access to the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) has been blocked in Tanzania after hackers breached the official account of the Tanzania Police Force and falsely announced the death of President Samia Suluhu Hassan. The incident has ignited a broader conversation about digital security, government control of the internet, and freedom of expression in the East African nation.
The Hack That Sparked Chaos
The situation unfolded when a message was posted from the verified X account of the Tanzania Police Force, claiming that President Hassan had passed away. The alarming announcement quickly went viral, triggering widespread confusion and concern across the country and among the diaspora. The police force responded shortly afterward with a statement denying the report and clarifying that the account had been compromised.
In an attempt to contain the fallout and prevent further misinformation, the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) instructed all local internet service providers to block access to X. The restriction was confirmed by NetBlocks, a global internet observatory, which reported that X became inaccessible on major networks throughout the country.
Official Response and Investigation
Minister of Information, Communications, and Technology, Jerry William Silaa, addressed the issue in parliament, confirming the cyberattack. He disclosed that the hackers had also infiltrated the YouTube account of the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA), but assured the public that both platforms have been restored.
The Tanzanian government says it is working to identify and apprehend the perpetrators. However, the decision to block access to X has led to renewed criticism of the government’s approach to online regulation.
Rising Fears of Government Censorship
While officials argue that the restriction is necessary to preserve public order, critics see it as part of a broader pattern of suppressing dissent. The current shutdown mirrors a similar move in August 2024 when the government restricted social media access following the arrest of opposition leader Tundu Lissu.
Opposition voices and digital rights advocates have accused the government of using national security and child protection rhetoric to justify heavy-handed censorship. They argue that these tactics are veiled attempts to tighten control over public discourse, particularly ahead of key political events.
A History of Social Media Control
Tanzania has a documented history of clamping down on digital platforms during politically sensitive periods. Earlier this year, the government shut down over 80,000 websites and social media accounts, citing the publication of content deemed harmful to children’s mental health. Observers say these measures are less about child welfare and more about silencing critical voices.
The recent blocking of X adds to this growing trend, with implications for democratic engagement and information access.
Crackdown on VPN Use
In a further tightening of control, the government has imposed strict regulations on Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), which many Tanzanians use to access blocked content. Individuals found using VPNs without official authorization now risk fines up to $2,000 or imprisonment for at least one year.
Looking Ahead
As the government continues its investigation into the hack, the international community is watching closely. The incident raises questions about cybersecurity preparedness, responsible digital governance, and the delicate balance between public order and civil liberties.
Tanzania’s move to block an entire social platform in response to a single cyberattack may set a concerning precedent across Africa, where other governments might adopt similar strategies to quell dissent or limit access to digital spaces.
