Mauritius Government Bans Social Media Ahead of Elections Amid Security Concerns

In a move sparking widespread debate, the government of Mauritius ordered a nationwide social media blackout on Friday, November 1, in the lead-up to parliamentary elections scheduled for November 10.

The ban, which will remain in effect until November 11, aims to prevent potential disruptions and misinformation during the election period.

This directive, issued by the Information and Communication Technology Authority (ICTA), follows a recent scandal involving leaked recordings of politicians, business figures, and prominent journalists.

Last month, these recordings surfaced online, stirring public concern over privacy breaches and alleged misuse of wiretapping. The government cited national security concerns as a key reason for suspending access to social media platforms, claiming that unrestricted access could pose significant risks to public safety and political stability.

“The ICT Authority wishes to inform the public that, in response to concerns regarding illegal postings that constitute a serious threat to national security and public safety, all Internet Service Providers are directed to suspend access to social media platforms until November 11, 2024,” read a statement from the ICTA.

EMTEL, a major local network provider, announced its compliance with the order, warning users that connectivity to social media platforms would experience “progressive disruption.” While EMTEL acknowledged the impact on its customers, it noted the decision was beyond its control.

The Prime Minister’s Office, also addressing the public, defended the social media ban as necessary to uphold the country’s security and integrity. It confirmed that a crisis committee had been convened to mitigate any further risks associated with the leaks.

Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth, who is currently campaigning for a second term, stressed the importance of maintaining a secure environment in the lead-up to the vote.