Tanzania vows tougher action on defiant social media platforms

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Speaking during a discussion on the relationship between national poverty reduction and individual well-being, Mr Silaa confirmed that the suspension of X (formerly Twitter) for breaching Tanzania’s regulatory framework, including its content moderation requirements, wouldn’t be the end.

“If 100 platforms refuse to comply, none will be allowed to operate,” he said, emphasising that user safety and national sovereignty remain paramount.

He said X was suspended following failed negotiations between the two sides, which unilaterally withdrew from Tanzania’s oversight mechanisms in May 2024.

According to Mr Silaa, the platform now hosts content that violates Tanzanian laws and social norms, including pornography and same-sex material.

“X is now displaying content not found on other platforms, such as YouTube, which still adheres to our firewall controls. This is not about curbing freedom or hindering employment—it’s about protecting our children, citizens, and cultural values,” he said.

While acknowledging the importance of social media in job creation and information sharing, Mr Silaa underscored the government’s responsibility to ensure a safe digital environment, especially for children.

He revealed that a new ICT policy is being finalised, with child protection as a key priority. “We are committed to ensuring harmful content does not reach devices used by children,” he said.

He commended Meta—the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp—for maintaining a cooperative relationship with the government and complying with local regulations.

“Meta has been responsive to our concerns and continues to work with the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) to remove inappropriate content,” he said.

However, Mr Silaa expressed concern that some platforms, including TikTok and Instagram, were beginning to deviate from ethical standards and warned that the government would continue to monitor their conduct.

“We cannot remain passive. When platforms deviate, we must take action. At the same time, we are engaging with citizens and religious leaders in ongoing efforts to reinforce national moral values,” he said.

Referring to Regulation 16 of the Electronic and Postal Communications (Online Content) Regulations, Mr Silaa stressed that digital platforms, like imported goods, must meet local safety standards.

“Just as we inspect imported food, cosmetics, and vehicles, we must also vet digital content. Tanzanians deserve the same protection online as they do offline,” he said.

Mr Silaa disclosed that all government institutions have been directed to stop using X and migrate to alternative platforms that align with national laws and ethical principles.

Asked why Tanzania could not reached an agreement with X to filter content before reaching audiences, as Kenya and Nigeria did, he said extensive discussions were held, but no consensus was reached.

“We tried to find common ground, but X opted to operate outside our legal framework. We could not agree on a mechanism that would ensure user safety and regulatory compliance,” he said.

He added that Tanzania’s stance reflects a broader global trend of sovereign nations seeking greater oversight over digital content governance.

Highlighting the sector’s growth, Mr Silaa said the ministry’s budget has increased significantly—from Sh15 billion in 2021/22 to Sh291 billion in 2025/26—underlining its strategic importance.

He also announced the establishment of eight innovation hubs across major mainland cities and Zanzibar to support youth-led digital transformation.

“The digital space is not above the law. ICT platforms must respect the sovereignty of the countries in which they operate. We will continue to safeguard our cyberspace in the best interests of Tanzanians,” he insisted.