Tanzania blocks access to X after hackers target government accounts
- Authorities in Tanzania restricted access to the social media platform X following a cyberattack on government accounts.
- The police account was hacked, resulting in the dissemination of false information about the president's death and explicit content.
- The government has initiated measures to secure affected accounts and reassured citizens of their online safety.
On May 20, 2025, authorities in Tanzania acted decisively to curb access to the social media platform X. This decision came following a series of cyberattacks on various official accounts belonging to government institutions. Notably, the police account was compromised, which led to the posting of misleading and pornographic content, including false announcements about the death of President Samia Suluhu Hassan. The immediate aftermath of these incidents saw the government taking significant steps to enhance cybersecurity measures, with assurances to the public about the safety of Tanzania's cyberspace. The cyberattacks were described by government officials as minor, although the events raised concerns among the populace, particularly with the nation’s political climate heated by ongoing political tensions and the forthcoming elections. The hacking incident saw the police launching an investigation into those responsible, highlighting the need for security protocols in government communications. Internet monitoring organization Netblocks reported that access to X had become increasingly difficult, as it was