Mauritius Lifts Social Media Ban Amid Cyber-Terrorism Fears

Taylor Brooks

Taylor Brooks

November 01, 2024 · 1 min read
Mauritius Lifts Social Media Ban Amid Cyber-Terrorism Fears

Mauritius has lifted its social media ban, just 48 hours after imposing it, citing concerns over cyber-terrorism risks. The ban was sparked by a wiretapping scandal that has shaken the nation, with leaked conversations involving politicians, police, lawyers, and journalists.

The communications regulator had directed internet service providers to block access to social media platforms until November 11, but Mauritius Telecom announced on Saturday that all social media platforms were now "fully accessible." Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth stated that an inquiry had been launched and arrests had been made, though he did not provide specific details.

Civil society groups, including the Internet Governance Forum and the Internet Society, had strongly opposed the shutdown, arguing that blocking digital access would "stifle democratic processes" and harm the economy. Citizens also found ways to bypass the restrictions, with a 9,547% surge in demand for VPN services reported on November 1.

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