Tanzania online content creators call for tougher action against inflammatory posts
Online content creators in Mbeya, Tanzania, are calling for stricter government enforcement against the spread of inflammatory and false information on social media. They advocate for using digital platforms for economic empowerment rather than inciting unrest.
Why it matters
This reflects a growing global trend of balancing digital freedom with the need to curb misinformation and maintain social stability.
Mbeya. Online content creators in Mbeya have urged the government to strengthen enforcement against people who write, publish and circulate inflammatory content on social media, saying tougher action is needed to curb misinformation and prevent public unrest.
They also encouraged fellow content creators to use social media to create economic opportunities rather than spread content that fuels tension and panic.
The calls were made on July 16 during a two-day seminar organised under the Dumisha Amani Project, funded by the United Nations Peace and Development Fund (UNPDF) through the UN Secretary-General's Peacebuilding Fund.
Participants said that, just as the government has established a special fund to support content creators, there should also be effective legal mechanisms to hold accountable those who publish and disseminate inflammatory information.
Mr Heneliko Malo said social media offered significant opportunities for economic empowerment if used responsibly, instead of being exploited to spread divisive content.
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