Tanzania Shuts Down X Platform Following Cyber Attacks on Police Account

The Tanzanian government has blocked access to X, formerly known as Twitter, after the official account of the Tanzania Police Force (@tanpol) was hacked and used to spread false information, including a fake announcement of President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s death.
The shocking misinformation triggered widespread confusion and concern online, prompting authorities to take swift action by restricting access to the platform nationwide. According to the internet observatory group NetBlocks, X became inaccessible across all major internet service providers in Tanzania, including Airtel, Vodacom, Halotel, and others.
This is the second time in less than a year that the Tanzanian government has taken such drastic digital action against the platform, raising concerns among civil society groups and digital rights advocates. Organizations like Access Now and CIPESA have condemned the move, urging the government to restore access and respect online freedom of expression.
In the wake of the ban, the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) in the country has surged dramatically as users seek alternative means to access the platform. Some VPN providers have reported a fourfold increase in sign-ups and downloads from Tanzanian users within 48 hours.
The government has yet to issue an official statement on the duration of the shutdown or legal justification for the action. Meanwhile, investigations into the hacking incident are reportedly underway.
This latest development adds to growing tensions between digital platform users and government authorities in Tanzania, highlighting ongoing challenges around cybersecurity, misinformation, and internet freedom in the region.