PRESS RELEASE
Zaina Foundation’s Call on Social Media Intrusions and Violations of Digital Rights in Tanzania
Dar es Salaam, 20 May 2025 – Zaina Foundation (www.zainafoundationtz.org), a nationally registered non-governmental organization and the coordinator of the Tanzania Digital Rights Coalition, today strongly condemned a coordinated series of unauthorized intrusions into the social media accounts of both public and private institutions. These disturbing incidents and the malicious content they spread underscore the growing vulnerability of our digital spaces at a time when citizens and organizations alike rely on online platforms for essential services, transparent communication, and civic engagement. As Tanzania continues its journey toward deeper digital inclusion, safeguarding the integrity of information channels and upholding constitutional freedoms has never been more critical.
On 20 May 2025, unidentified actors gained access to high-profile social media pages, compromising the official X (formerly Twitter) and YouTube channels of the Tanzania Police Force, the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA), and Airtel Tanzania. In each instance, false and misleading messages were posted designed to sow confusion, erode public trust, and potentially disrupt institutional operations. Such attacks not only threaten the reputations of these organizations but also jeopardize the digital rights guaranteed under Article 18 of the 1977 Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania (as amended), including the right to freely receive and disseminate information. Zaina Foundation calls on all relevant authorities to act swiftly to restore secure access, hold the perpetrators to account, and reinforce robust protections for our nation’s online information ecosystem. Click here to read full press release Press release – English