Internet disrupted in Tanzania on eve of general elections

According to a report by Netblocks, Tanzania has seen widespread disruption to its Internet with several Internet applications including social media affected in the country. This occurred on 27 October 2020, the eve of the country’s general elections. The report states further that real-time network data showed that back-end servers for Internet platforms such as Twitter, WhatsApp and Google services are generally or partially down on leading network operators in Tanzania such as Zan Tel, Tigo, Airtel, Halotel and Vodacom. Network data also indicate a more generalised disruption of services on state-owned operator Tanzania Telecommunications Corporation (TTCL). Whilst the data was drawn and monitored by Netblocks’ Web Probe metrics, Twitter has also confirmed throttling of its services in Tanzania.