Tanzania beckons AI systems to curb deception during the General Elections

DODOMA: AS Tanzania gears up for the General Elections in October 2025, the government has called on telecom companies to develop specialised Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems to counter deepfake audio and video content intended to mislead the public.

Minister for Information, Communication and Information Technology, Mr Jerry Silaa, issued the directive on Friday when winding up the budget estimates debate for his docket for the 2025/26 financial year in Parliament.

The Minister said that in efforts to tackle online fraud and deception, the government has already rolled out an AI-based alert system capable of detecting fraudulent messages and issuing real-time warnings to users.

“We have launched an AI system that scans and identifies suspicious SMS content and notifies users before they fall victim. We are urging telecom companies to come up with innovative solutions that safeguard users, particularly as we move closer to the elections,” he said.

Mr Silaa cautioned that AI-generated videos and voice clips have the potential to mislead citizens, urging all stakeholders to remain vigilant.

Citing the latest Global Cybersecurity Index released in September 2024, the Minister noted that Tanzania ranks third globally in terms of cybersecurity.

“I assure Parliament that the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) is fully prepared. I also issue a strong warning to those using digital platforms maliciously. The laws are in place, and TCRA must heighten its vigilance to protect both citizens and political actors in the lead-up to the elections,” he emphasized.

The Minister also highlighted that significant strides have been made under the Digital Tanzania Project (DTP), particularly in ensuring system interoperability to allow seamless data exchange among government and private institutions.

Meanwhile, the Parliamentary Committee on Infrastructure has urged the government to intensify its fight against digital fraud, noting that cybercrime continues to grow in complexity and scope.

Presenting the committee’s views, committee member and Singida East MP, Mr Miraji Mtaturu, acknowledged ongoing efforts by regulatory authorities but stressed that more robust and permanent solutions are needed.

He also called for stricter control over unsolicited SMS messages, urging collaboration between the Ministry, telecom companies, and the Ministry of Home Affairs to curb the menace.

Moreover, the committee advised the government to bring to Parliament a Bill on ICT innovation to create an enabling environment that promotes job creation and recognition of local tech solutions.