DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania — The Tanzanian government has blocked access to the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, citing the circulation of pornographic content as a violation of national online ethics laws.
Minister for Information, Communication and Information Technology Jerry Silaa confirmed the move during a televised interview on Monday, saying it was a deliberate decision meant to protect the country’s moral fabric, particularly among youth.
“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 said, referencing changes implemented by the platform in May 2024.
He added that the government must regulate digital spaces just as it would any other part of society, warning of the pervasive influence that social media has on public behavior.
“Because the internet is like the sky—what you say here will be heard by Tanzanians whether they like it or not—we must ensure online content aligns with our national values and laws,” he told The Citizen.
X, owned by billionaire Elon Musk, has faced criticism in several countries over loosened content moderation rules and its decision to allow adult content under specific guidelines.
Silaa emphasized that Tanzania’s actions are not unique, claiming the country is acting in line with efforts seen in other jurisdictions to protect public interest.
He also hinted at wider digital censorship, revealing that certain content on YouTube is also being restricted for similar reasons.
“Even on YouTube, you might notice that some content is inaccessible. That’s part of our broader effort to protect consumers and ensure compliance with national laws,” he said.
As of now, X remains blocked in Tanzania. Users attempting to access the platform are relying on Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to bypass the restriction.
VPNs allow internet users to mask their location and encrypt activity, effectively allowing access to geo-restricted platforms.
The government’s move comes amid growing scrutiny over digital freedoms in Tanzania, and follows a string of recent regional controversies involving media censorship and human rights.
Civil society organisations have raised alarm over increasing control of online spaces in the East African nation.
