The Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) has recently introduced a strict ban on the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) within the country. This regulatory move, aligned with Regulation 16(2) of the Electronic and Postal Communications (Online Content) Regulations of 2020, is raising significant concerns and reactions from both citizens and digital activists.
Under this new ban, violators may face severe consequences, including a hefty fine of TSh 5 million (approximately USD 1,997) or a minimum prison sentence of 12 months. The TCRA has also mandated that individuals and businesses relying on VPNs for their daily operations must disclose their VPN usage and provide detailed information, including their Internet Protocol (IP) addresses, to the regulatory authority by the end of the month.
The implications of this crackdown on VPNs are far-reaching. VPNs are widely used globally to safeguard internet security and privacy, making it challenging for malicious entities to monitor online activities. Requiring Tanzanians to obtain VPN permits threatens their online privacy and could open the door to increased government surveillance and information restrictions.
These measures not only limit internet freedom but also pose legal risks for Tanzanians who were previously using VPNs for legitimate purposes.
The motivations behind these new regulations remain unclear, apart from the official statements. One possibility is that the government seeks to restrict the flow of information, as VPNs can bypass government-imposed content restrictions and censorship. Additionally, collecting data on VPN users may serve a broader strategy of monitoring online activities to control dissent and maintain political authority.
The ban on VPNs has faced significant backlash from digital activists and civil societies, viewed as an act of censorship infringing on Tanzanians’ right to access information and maintain online privacy. Businesses and individuals who depend on VPNs for legitimate purposes are now burdened with complex permit applications that may compromise their online security and privacy.
Tanzania is not the only country in the region to impose VPN restrictions. In 2011, Uganda introduced a Social Media Tax, with VPNs used to evade these charges. The Ugandan government stated that they have technologies in place to detect and block VPN usage.
Tanzania’s VPN ban reflects a broader trend of governments imposing restrictions on internet access, raising concerns about internet freedom and privacy. While the regulator cites regulations as the basis for these measures, the underlying motivations may be rooted in controlling online activities and information flow.
