Tanzania Locks Down Social Media Platform X Amid Hacking Crisis

The Tanzanian government has restricted access to social media platform X after hackers compromised police accounts, leading to the spread of false and explicit content. Concurrently, tensions rise over the deportation of Kenyan activists linked to a prominent court case.

The Tanzanian government has taken decisive action in response to recent cyberattacks that compromised official social media accounts, leading to a widespread restriction on access to the platform X across the nation. The police force reported that its official account was hacked on Tuesday, resulting in the dissemination of sexually explicit content and false claims, including a rumor about the president’s death. In light of this incident, Tanzanian authorities have initiated an investigation to track down the individuals responsible for the breach.

Data from the internet monitoring organization Netblocks indicated that X became "unreachable on major internet providers" throughout Tanzania shortly after the attack. While users in Dar es Salaam struggled to access the site without resorting to virtual private networks (VPNs)—which are illegal to use without authorization—some reports suggested that residents in other areas might still log on. Authorities remain tight-lipped about whether they are actively blocking access to X.

Information Minister Jerry Silaa addressed the issue in parliament, assuring members that the compromised social media accounts have been secured. Government spokesperson Gerson Msigwa warned hackers of swift consequences for their actions.

This digital unrest coincides with significant political turmoil following the deportation of several high-profile Kenyan activists, who were prevented from attending a crucial court case involving opposition leader Tundu Lissu, accused of treason. Amid rising tensions, President Samia Suluhu Hassan warned that foreign activists would not be permitted to interfere in Tanzania’s affairs, stating they would not be allowed to create "chaos" within the country.

Among those recently deported were Kenya's former Justice Minister Martha Karua and Ugandan activist Agather Atuhaire, who were detained by suspected military personnel in Dar es Salaam. The uncertainty surrounding their whereabouts has raised alarm, especially from families concerned for their safety.

The president of the Tanganyika Law Society, Boniface Mwabukusi, confirmed that legal teams are monitoring the situation closely, seeking legal recourse to ensure the activists' rights are upheld. These developments underscore a growing political climate in Tanzania, where dissent is increasingly met with stringent measures.