Visitors in Mauritius can now again post their tropical beach photos and vacation memories from this Southern Indian Ocean island. Mauritius reversed its decision today to block social media after a wire-tapping scandal made headlines in this Island republic.
Not until November 11, as initially planned, but only for 24 hours, the social media ban with users, including visitors on the Indian Ocean island, could not access Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X.
The ban was prompted by the release of secret recordings of phone calls by politicians, journalists, members of civil society, and even foreign diplomats, which began to emerge online last month.
Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth’s office said the leaks may have compromised “the national security and integrity of our republic and our international partners.” Today, the Information and Communications Authority said the ban had been lifted after “consultation with competent authorities.”
Mauritius’s elections are set for November 10. Opposition parties and local media groups, which rely heavily on social media, have raised concerns.
In a press conference, the opposition party leader referred to the eTurboNews article published yesterday (see feature photo), which demonstrated the damage done to tourism on an international agenda. The leaked recordings were released by an account called Missie Moustass (Mr Moustache), primarily on TikTok.
There have been more attempts to block the account, but it quickly resurfaced elsewhere, and recordings have been released almost daily.
Among those causing the most significant shock was that of the police commissioner asking a forensic doctor to alter a report about a person who died after being beaten in police custody. A judicial investigation into the death was launched following the leak. Private calls featuring British High Commissioner Charlotte Pierre appear to have been leaked.
Jugnauth is seeking re-election as head of the Militant Socialist Movement.
