Mauritius' Information and Communication Technologies Authority (ICTA) has mandated a temporary suspension of social media access, effective Friday through November 11, following the nation’s general election. This decision comes in response to a growing wiretapping scandal, which since mid-October has seen around 20 leaked recordings of private conversations involving politicians, police, lawyers, journalists, and civil society members circulating on social media, as reported by Reporters Without Borders.
The ICTA cited concerns over “illegal postings” for the suspension, with Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth’s office noting that the measure is necessary to ensure national security after the release of sensitive audio clips. According to the prime minister’s office, a crisis committee has been assembled to address potential security risks linked to the scandal.
The move has sparked widespread criticism from civil society groups. The Internet Governance Forum and the Internet Society released a joint statement, condemning the restrictions as a threat to democratic processes and warning that the ban could also disrupt economic activities, businesses, and access to essential information. Telecom provider Emtel confirmed that customers would experience gradual disruptions in service as the restrictions are implemented.
Prime Minister Jugnauth, in office since 2017, is aiming for re-election on November 10, hoping to secure another five-year term for his Militant Socialist Movement (MSM) party. Both Jugnauth and local police authorities have argued that the leaked recordings were manipulated through artificial intelligence. This election marks a crucial test for Jugnauth, who previously overcame a legal challenge in a British court last year, which upheld his 2019 election win against accusations of bribery and undue influence.
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