The Tanzanian government has shut down the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) following a cyber attack where the official Tanzania Police Force’s X account was hacked to spread false claims about President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s death.

This shutdown comes shortly after a similar blackout in August 2024 amidst political tensions including opposition leader Tundu Lissu’s arrest and treason charges.

The government has intensified digital content control, including shutting down over 80,000 online platforms citing child protection, alongside strict regulations criminalizing VPN use and online dissent.

The move reflects a broader regional pattern of increased internet censorship by East African governments during politically sensitive times.