Meta has explained why it blocked the social media accounts of Tanzanian activists Maria Sarungi and Mange Kimambi.
In a statement on Thursday, December 4, a Meta spokesperson said the actions were taken in response to regulatory demands and violations of platform rules.
According to the tech company, the restriction placed on Sarungi's Instagram account was triggered by directives from Tanzanian authorities.
"We believe freedom of expression is a fundamental right and that our platforms should be a place where users around the world can exercise this right. Following a legal order from Tanzanian regulators, we have restricted access to this Instagram account in Tanzania in response to regulatory demands," the statement read.
Meta also issued an explanation concerning the removal of accounts linked to activist Mange Kimambi, citing repeated violations of the company’s rules.
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The spokesperson noted that the company’s policies do not allow users to return to the platform with new accounts after previous removals for breaching community standards.
"While we believe freedom of expression is a fundamental right and that our platforms should be a place where users around the world can exercise this right, we have strict rules about what is and isn't allowed on our platforms.
"These Instagram accounts were removed for violating our recidivism policy. We don't allow people to create new accounts that are similar to those we've previously removed for violating our Community Standards," the statement added.
This comes days after the United States Embassy in Dar es Salaam has issued a new security alert warning its citizens of possible nationwide anti-government demonstrations in the coming days.
In a notice dated Friday, November 28, the embassy said demonstrations have been planned for December 9, but cautioned that they could begin sooner.
It explained that its alert is informed by the unrest that followed the October 29 elections, saying that period saw significant damage and disruption across the country.
"There are ongoing calls for nationwide anti-government demonstrations on December 9, but protest activity could begin as early as December 5.
"Recent unrest around Tanzania’s October 29 elections resulted in destruction of public infrastructure, violence against civilians, internet shutdowns, and major travel disruptions," the notice read.
According to the advisory, anyone travelling to Tanzania in the coming weeks should prepare for widespread disruptions, including movement restrictions and possible shutdowns of key services.
"Travelers to Tanzania over the next several weeks should be prepared for potential disruptions, including the possibility of unrest, nation-wide curfews, an internet blackout, cancellation of ferries to Zanzibar, cancellation of international flights, and roadblocks enacted to enforce strict movement controls," the notice added.
The embassy also noted that foreigners in Tanzania have been receiving increased attention from security agencies following the recent unrest, including checks on their electronic devices.
"Following recent unrest, foreign nationals have experienced increased attention from local security authorities, and security forces have searched electronics for evidence of connection to unrest or politically sensitive content," the notice further read.
It further highlighted that Tanzanian authorities have warned the public against sharing material that could be considered alarming or politically sensitive.
"Police have reminded the public that under Tanzanian law, the sharing of pictures or videos that may cause panic is a criminal offense. There are reports of security authorities searching electronic devices for politically sensitive content," the notice concluded.
The embassy advised foreign nationals to take precautionary steps during any potential unrest, including avoiding demonstrations, keeping essential supplies and following curfews.
They have also been advised to adhere to local laws, confirming flights by phone before going to the airport, and reviewing personal safety plans.
