How Meta changes could redefine social media in Tanzania

This approach mirrors the strategy adopted by Elon Musk’s X (formerly Twitter), emphasising user-driven moderation over institutional oversight.

The changes, initially set to roll out in the United States, reflect Meta’s broader commitment to promoting free speech and fostering transparency.

Mr Zuckerberg argued that fact-checkers have grown too politically biased, undermining public trust and that empowering users to shape the discourse would create a healthier, more democratic online environment.

“This is about giving people the tools to engage directly with the content they see, rather than relying on centralised authorities to tell them what’s true or false,” he said.

The announcement has sparked widespread debate, with experts and stakeholders offering mixed reactions.

Some experts worry that reducing content moderation could exacerbate existing challenges in Tanzania’s digital landscape.

The country has seen rapid growth in social media use, with platforms like Facebook and Instagram serving as key channels for political discourse and community engagement.

The CEO of Tanzanian tech firm  Sartify, Dr Michael Mollel, voiced concern about the potential consequences of Meta’s new approach.

“Social media has become an indispensable tool for political communication in Tanzania. By removing fact-checkers and relying on community notes, there’s a significant risk of misinformation spreading unchecked,” he warned.

Dr Mollel emphasised that this could be particularly dangerous during election periods when accurate information is crucial.

“Misinformation has the potential to confuse voters, distort public opinion and even incite unrest. While free speech is important, it must not come at the expense of truth and accountability.”

Similar apprehensions were voiced by ICT expert and lecturer at the Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology, Mr Faraja Danford, who highlighted challenges posed by low media literacy in the country.

“Many Tanzanians lack the skills to critically analyse online content. With reduced oversight, the spread of politically biased or false information could become rampant, particularly among vulnerable populations,” he said.

Despite these concerns, some Tanzanian stakeholders view Meta’s decision as an opportunity to enhance inclusivity and democratic participation in digital spaces.

By empowering users to contextualise content, the new system could foster more diverse and balanced discussions.

Social media strategist Kuruthum Ali welcomed the changes, seeing them as a way to increase user agency.

“This shift gives Tanzanians more control over the information they consume and share. By encouraging users to engage directly with content, we can create a more participatory platform,” she said.

Digital rights advocate Lydia Msemo echoed this sentiment, emphasising the potential for democratising information.

“This policy could help break the monopoly of dominant voices in online conversations. It offers an opportunity for everyone to contribute, which is essential for strengthening democracy,” she said.

Ms Msemo added that the new approach could encourage more Tanzanians to actively participate in discussions on critical issues, ranging from politics to social justice.

“A platform that prioritises diverse perspectives can enrich our understanding of complex issues and foster a more inclusive digital community,” she noted.

Meanwhile, a law lecturer at UDSM, Dr Onesmo Kyauke, warned that Meta’s decision could complicate the enforcement of Tanzania’s digital laws.

“Without robust mechanisms to verify information, holding individuals accountable for spreading falsehoods becomes more difficult,” he said.

For his part, a political analyst from the University of Dar es Salaam, Dr Richard Mbunda, said as Tanzania approaches its next general election, the role of social media in shaping political narratives is expected to grow. The absence of fact-checkers could create a vacuum, leaving users more susceptible to misinformation and manipulation.

 Dr Mbunda said political actors might exploit the new system to spread false or misleading information.

The Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority director general, Dr Jabiri Bakari, said, “Changes like these are normal for global platforms operating in rapidly evolving digital environments. While Meta’s policy shift introduces new dynamics, TCRA remains prepared to address any challenges that may arise.”