The letter from TCRA Director General Dr. Jabir K Bakari stressed that the authority acts only in cases of legal violations. Photo: Courtesy
TCRA Denies Issuing Ban on Social Media Platforms Amidst Rising Concerns
By Adonis Byemelwa
The Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) has officially stated that it has not issued any directives or statements banning social media platforms in Tanzania. This clarification follows inquiries from the Internet Governance Tanzania Working Group (IGTWG), which had requested a meeting to discuss concerns about a potential ban on the social network X, formerly known as Twitter.
In a letter to the IGTWG, TCRA explained, “As a regulator of the communication sector, it has not issued a statement or directive calling for the shutdown or banning of any social media platform in the Tanzanian cyberspace.” The letter, signed by TCRA Director General Dr. Jabir K Bakari, emphasized that the authority only intervenes when there are violations of Tanzanian laws and regulations.
The IGTWG, which consists of over twenty organizations focused on online freedom and rights, sought clarification after Mohamed Ali Kawaida, Chairman of the CCM Youth Wing, and some religious leaders called for X to be banned, alleging it was being used to spread pornographic content. With over 600,000 users in Tanzania, X is a significant platform for political dialogue, activism, and employment opportunities for many youths.
Former Minister of Communication Nape Nnauye had previously indicated that the government was monitoring the debate and would take appropriate action if necessary. In response to TCRA’s clarification, Asha D. Abinallah of Tech & Media Convergency (TMC) expressed relief, stating, “I am pleased that the Authority has taken this issue seriously and responded.”
Abinallah noted concerns arose when TCRA temporarily deactivated its X account shortly after the campaign began, which included pressure from religious leaders and CCM officials. Despite this, many stakeholders, including media outlets and communication companies, have expressed approval of TCRA’s transparent approach to regulatory matters.
The current administration’s inclusive approach to stakeholder engagement and adherence to legal and ethical principles in media regulation has been positively received, reflecting a commitment to fostering a robust and transparent communication environment in Tanzania.
