The ongoing investigation into a recent*X account manipulation has sparked widespread concern about false information dissemination in Tanzania. The Tanzanian Police Force, which previously used Twitter, has now launched an investigation and issued a stern warning following the hack of itsXM account. The false information, including fake newscovering the death of a senior national leader, has spread across social media platforms, including Twitter, and has led to a lack of trust in the government’s leadership.
In a statement released on May 20, 2025, the police force emphasized that none of the circulating information was sourced from the force. They warned the public that the posts were entirely false, intended to deceive and sow confusion by appearing as official communication. The investigation highlights a cyberattack that has been carried out on multiple high-profile X accounts, including those of notable figures like Simba SC and Odemba, as well as Airtel Tanzania. The false narrative about the decline of a senior national leader was shared across compromised accounts, drawing heightened concern among users before valid accusations were made.
The hacking attack is part of a broader cyberattack that has targeted other high-profile Tanzanian X accounts. False messages about the death of advanced national leaders have been widely disseminated by these compromised accounts, casting aShadow over the justice of national leaders. The police division has yet to address these false posts, with public officials and journalists urged to disregard disinformation and refrain from sharing content that spreads confusion.
As the situation reaches its peak, the Tanzanian Police Force has emphasized the importance of maintaining compliance with laws and authenticating information. The team has termed themselves ‘ testers and retractors’ and has taken legal action to hold any member of the public responsible for spreading misleading content. The investigation has pointed to a deliberate effort to undermine public trust in the Tanzanian government. While it will take time to rebuild trust post-hacking, the overall situation underscores the importance of stricter oversight and accountability in technology and information sharing.
Moving forward, the Tanzanian Police Force has released a final update on the attack, clarifying that no such information exists on their XM account. The issue has also raised broader concerns about the lack of transparency in cybersecurity practices in Tanzania. The force is asking the public to pause spreading or disseminating any false or misleading information. Moreover, the police have pledged to enhance their cybersecurity measures and ensure the protection of the public by upholding ethical standards and transparency in how information flows.
As the investigation continues, public frustration over misinformation has galvanized local resilience. The Tanzanian government and legal organizations are working tirelessly to restore trust in its frameworks and to prevent further dissemination of false narratives. In the long term, this effort will play a role in eradicating cycles of injustice and corruption intertwined with access to public infrastructure and services, while also demonstrating the ongoing importance of accountability in the face of ever-increasing cyber threats.
