Mauritius is facing a major controversy as its communications regulator ordered all internet service providers to block social media access from Friday until November 11, a day after the upcoming general election. This decision follows a wiretapping scandal involving leaked audio recordings that have been circulating on social media since mid-October.
According to Reporters Without Borders, around 20 leaked conversations have been shared online, involving politicians, police, lawyers, journalists, and civil society members. The Information and Communication Technologies Authority (ICTA) justified the temporary ban, stating it was a response to “illegal postings” on social media.
The office of Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth issued a statement emphasizing that the restrictions were necessary to protect national security and maintain the integrity of the country after the release of “certain” audio clips. “A crisis committee is currently meeting to contain the existing risks as soon as possible,” the statement said.
EMTEL, one of Mauritius’s major telecom operators, confirmed it was in the process of complying with the directive and informed users that internet services would be gradually disrupted as the ban took effect.
The November 10 election is a crucial one for Prime Minister Jugnauth, who is aiming to secure another term for his Militant Socialist Movement (MSM) party. Jugnauth first became prime minister in 2017 when he took over the position from his father. In 2019, his re-election was challenged by an opposition candidate who accused him of winning through bribery and undue influence. However, the British court, serving as the final appellate body for Mauritius, upheld Jugnauth's victory last year.
Jugnauth and the police have both claimed that the leaked recordings were manipulated using artificial intelligence, adding to the complexity of the situation.
Meanwhile, two civil society organizations, the Internet Governance Forum and the Internet Society, voiced their concerns in a joint statement. They warned that shutting down the internet could have serious repercussions. “Curtailing access to digital platforms would not only stifle democratic processes but also harm the economy, disrupt businesses, and restrict access to essential information and services,” they stated.
The temporary social media suspension has raised questions about balancing national security with democratic freedoms as the country heads into a significant election period.