US Edition‘Contrary to Our Laws’: Tanzania Blocks X over Pornographic Content
- The Tanzanian authorities have restricted usage of X, previously known as Twitter, citing the platform’s distribution of pornographic material that violates the country’s laws.
- This action followed X's May 2024 policy changes permitting explicit sexual material, which contradict Section 16 of Tanzania's 2000 Online Content Regulations.
- Minister Jerry Silaa explained that the government intentionally implemented the restriction to ensure compliance with national laws, protect consumers, and preserve the country’s cultural values.
- Silaa highlighted that all statements made online reach Tanzanian audiences regardless of reception and connected the ban on X to the platform’s allowance of same-sex pornographic content, which violates the country’s online ethics regulations.
- The block has sparked debate among users, some resorting to VPNs for access, and reflects broader efforts to ensure online platforms comply with Tanzanian laws ahead of October elections.
22 Articles
22 Articles
X Access Blocked in Tanzania Over "Pornography"
You go online to check updates, maybe see what people are saying about the elections, and suddenly, X just isn’t there. There is no error message, no heads-up, just silence. It’s been nearly two weeks since Tanzania pulled the plug on the platform, and now the government says it’s about curbing pornographic content, including same-sex material, which they say violates the country's online ethics and cultural values.Information Minister Jerry Sil…
Since May 20, Tanzanians no longer had access to the social network X. On June 4, the authorities admitted to blocking the platform, citing its role in the distribution of pornographic content. Some see it as a way for the government to hinder freedom of expression at a time when the country is going through a period of political tension.
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