The Information and Communication Technology Authority (ICTA), the nation’s communications regulator, issued the directive to all internet service providers, citing concerns over “illegal postings” that it claims pose a threat to national security and public safety.
This unprecedented decision comes in the wake of a recent wiretapping scandal that stirred public controversy when leaked recordings of conversations involving politicians, business figures, and civil society members surfaced on social media last month.
According to Reporters Without Borders, a media freedom advocacy organization, the leaks also included private conversations of five prominent journalists, further raising concerns about privacy and press freedom.
“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, it has received directives in the evening of 31 October 2024, to direct all Internet Service Providers to temporarily suspend access to all social media platforms until 11 November 2024,” ICTA stated.
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With a population of 1.2 million, the Indian Ocean island nation faces heightened security and public safety concerns as the election approaches.
The ban marks a significant measure by the Mauritian government, which contends that the leaks compromise national security, and aims to curb further spread of sensitive content in the lead-up to the vote.
Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth is seeking re-election for a second term.
Jugnauth, who has served as prime minister since 2017, is running on a platform focused on economic growth and national security, aiming to secure continued support from the island nation’s 1.2 million residents.
