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| Image:Instagram |
Access to the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) was abruptly restricted in Tanzania on Wednesday after a major security breach led to the spread of false news regarding the country’s president.
Authorities took swift action to limit the platform’s reach following the hacking of an official police account, which was used to post an untrue announcement claiming that President Samia Suluhu Hassan had died. The post, which quickly spread, sparked outrage and confusion across the nation.
The shutdown coincides with the controversial detention of two well-known activists Boniface Mwangi from Kenya and Agather Atuhaire from Uganda who were in Tanzania to observe a court case involving opposition leader Tundu Lissu. Lissu, a fierce critic of the current administration, is facing treason charges just months ahead of the upcoming general elections.
Reports from NetBlocks, a global internet observatory, revealed that X became inaccessible through most major internet providers across Tanzania. Users were only able to log in via Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), according to on-ground reports by AFP.
Speaking before parliament, Tanzania’s Minister of Information, Communications, and Technology, Jerry William Silaa, confirmed the police account was indeed compromised. He added that the country's tax authority’s YouTube page also fell victim to the cyberattack.
Silaa attributed the breaches to weak security systems, noting that both accounts have since been restored and measures are being taken to prevent future incidents.
The situation has raised broader concerns about digital security and freedom of expression in Tanzania, especially with elections looming in October.
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