The internet in Tanzania has partially been restored following a government-imposed blackout after the contentious re-election of President Samia Suluhu Hassan. This shutdown began on Wednesday and was marked by widespread protests and violence.
Government Response to Protests
Reports indicate that hundreds have lost their lives amid the unrest following the election. Internet monitoring group NetBlocks reported that connectivity was initially cut off by the Tanzanian government in response to the demonstrations.
Resumption of Connectivity
- Connectivity has been partially restored.
- However, social media and messaging platforms still face significant restrictions.
Impact of Restrictions
According to Isik Mater, the director of research at NetBlocks, these limitations hinder access to crucial information during a pivotal moment for the nation. She emphasized that internet access is a fundamental digital right vital for ensuring transparency and public engagement, especially during elections.
Spread of Misinformation
The internet shutdown has had a profound effect on information sharing. Tanzanians have struggled to disseminate real-time updates, leading to the circulation of misinformation. Instances of people posting outdated videos as current events have been reported, including:
- A video misattributed to Tanzania showing a military presence, which actually originated from protests in Madagascar.
- A clip of a protest from Port au Prince, Haiti, featuring identifiable government signage, falsely labeled as occurring in Tanzania.
These incidents highlight the severe consequences of restricted internet access, underscoring the critical importance of reliable information in times of political turmoil.
