US Senator denounces Meta restrictions on Tanzanian activists
US Senator Jim Risch has condemned Meta's move to restrict accounts of Tanzanian activists following government pressure, as Washington launches a review of its relationship with Tanzania over human rights and digital repression concerns...
✨ Key Highlights
US Senator Jim Risch has criticized Meta for restricting social media access for Tanzanian activists, including those in the United States, following requests from the Tanzanian government. These actions raise concerns about free expression and political freedoms, prompting the US State Department to review its relationship with Tanzania.
- Meta confirmed restricting access to activist Maria Sarungi's Instagram account within Tanzania based on a legal order from Tanzanian regulators.
- Ranking Republican on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Senator Jim Risch, warned that such cooperation between tech firms and Tanzanian authorities has serious implications.
- The US State Department cited "grave concerns" regarding Tanzanian governance, human rights, and security, including the repression of religious freedom and free speech, in its decision to launch a full review of the relationship.
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U.S. Places Tanzania Ties Under Review Amid Accusations of Meta Enabling Repression - December 2025
The United States has initiated a comprehensive review of its relationship with Tanzania, citing serious concerns over the Tanzanian government’s recent actions regarding governance, human rights, and security. The U.S. Department of State announced the review on Thursday, December 4. This follows accusations that Meta is enabling state repression. US Senator Jim Risch criticized Meta for restricting social media access for Tanzanian activists at the request of the Tanzanian government. Activist Maria Sarungi accused Meta of complicity after the company restricted access to her Instagram account in Tanzania just days before planned anti-government protests, claiming the move suppresses dissent under President Samia Suluhu.
