Authorities in Tanzania have blocked access to the social media platform X after hackers breached the official account of the national police and falsely announced the death of President Samia Suluhu Hassan. The fake message quickly went viral, triggering widespread confusion and concern online.
In response, the government restricted access to X through major internet providers, aiming to curb the spread of misinformation and prevent further unrest, according to data from internet watchdog NetBlocks.
The Tanzanian police issued a statement disowning the false post, clarifying that it did not come from an official source. Citizens were urged not to share or believe the misinformation, as authorities work to track down those behind the cyberattack.
The incident has reignited concerns about the misuse of digital platforms to spread disinformation. The government’s move to block X is being seen as an effort to stabilize the situation while investigations are ongoing.
President Hassan has since been confirmed to be alive and in good health. Officials say efforts are underway to restore normalcy across the country.
