Tanzanian Government has Shut Down X Due to Prevalent Pornographic Content

The Tanzanian government has shut down access to the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) due to the presence of widespread pornographic content on the platform. This decision was officially confirmed by Tanzania’s Information Minister, Jerry Silaa, who explained that X allows the distribution of explicit sexual material, including same-sex pornographic content, which violates the country’s laws, culture, customs, and traditions.

The government’s action to block X came two weeks after a cyberattack targeted official government accounts on the platform. The Tanzania Police Force’s X account was hacked and used to spread false reports about the death of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, alongside the circulation of pornographic images. On the same day, the Tanzania Revenue Authority’s YouTube account was also compromised with pornographic content. This incident heightened concerns about the platform’s content and security, prompting the government to take stricter measures.

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Minister Silaa emphasized that the government’s decision is part of a broader effort to regulate online content and protect Tanzanian users, especially young people, from harmful material. He cited the 2000 Online Content Regulations, which define the types of content allowed online, and pointed out that since X updated its content policies in May 2024 to permit “consensually produced and distributed” adult content, it has conflicted with these regulations.

The Tanzanian government shut down X due to pornographic content that is seen as contrary to national values. Silaa also noted that other platforms like YouTube have had some content restricted as part of the government’s ongoing efforts to enforce compliance with local laws.

This shutdown has sparked criticism from human rights and digital rights groups in Tanzania. They argue that the ban on X reflects a troubling pattern of digital repression, especially as the country approaches its presidential and parliamentary elections in October 2025. The Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC) pointed out that similar restrictions were imposed before the 2020 elections, raising concerns about the openness and freedom of the digital space in Tanzania. They also criticized the government for inconsistency, as some officials and public institutions continue to use X despite the ban, which confuses the public and undermines the government’s credibility.

In addition to X, other social media and communication platforms such as Clubhouse and Telegram have also been made inaccessible in Tanzania without the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs).

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The shutdown of X is part of a wider crackdown on online content by the Tanzanian government. In May 2025, over 80,000 websites, social media accounts, blogs, and online platforms were blocked for publishing content deemed unethical and harmful to children’s mental health, according to the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA).

The Tanzanian government shut down X due to pornographic content that violates its laws and cultural norms. This move follows a cyberattack and fits into a broader government strategy to control online content and maintain national values, though it has raised concerns about digital freedom and political repression ahead of upcoming elections.

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