Digital rights groups raise concerns over post-election restrictions and online account blocks in Tanzania

Access Now and the #KeepItOn coalition have released a joint statement outlining concerns about the situation in Tanzania during and after the 29 October 2025 elections. Civil society organisations and observers have reported allegations of extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances and arbitrary detentions involving protesters, opposition figures and human rights defenders. According to the statement, more than 1,700 individuals are reportedly facing serious charges linked to the post-election unrest.

The coalition also draws attention to recent digital restrictions, including government requests for Meta to limit access to the accounts of two Tanzanian activists. Meta’s transparency report notes that the Tanzanian Communications Regulatory Authority requested restrictions on several Instagram accounts under domestic legal provisions. Some accounts were banned or blocked in Tanzania, a development that coincides with partial internet disruptions. Technical measurements by the Open Observatory of Network Interference indicate that Signal and Telegram have been blocked, and access to X has been restricted since May 2025.

Access Now and the #KeepItOn coalition argue that these measures risk limiting access to information at a time when accountability and transparency are widely sought. They emphasise that companies operating in such environments have responsibilities under international human rights standards, including due diligence before acting on government requests that may affect freedom of expression or access to information.

The statement underscores that any restrictions on these rights must comply with established principles of legality, necessity and proportionality. Tanzania is party to regional and international instruments such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which set clear protections for expression, information and peaceful assembly.

With nationwide protests planned for 9 December, the coalition cautions that online restrictions may hinder efforts to monitor events and ensure protections for those participating in public assemblies. It calls on the government to safeguard these rights and refrain from disproportionate measures.

The statement also contains appeals directed at Meta and other technology companies. Meta is urged to restore access to affected accounts and evaluate government requests against its own human rights commitments. Internet service providers are asked to resist orders that could lead to censorship or internet shutdowns and to maintain open, secure access for users.

The list of signatories includes a wide range of digital rights and civil society organisations such as the Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa (CIPESA), Paradigm Initiative, SMEX, the Media Foundation for West Africa, and the Open Observatory of Network Interference (OONI), among others.