The Mauritius Communications Regulatory Authority has mandated that internet service providers halt access to social media platforms starting Friday, November 11, the day following the country’s general election, in response to a wiretapping scandal.
Since mid-October, numerous leaked recordings, featuring conversations among politicians, police, lawyers, journalists, and members of civil society, have circulated on social media, as reported by Reporters Without Borders.
The Information and Communication Technologies Authority (ICTA) has cited “illegal postings” as the justification for the temporary suspension, with the Prime Minister’s Office adding that the measure is intended to safeguard national security following the release of sensitive audio clips. The Prime Minister’s Office has also mentioned that a crisis committee is in place to mitigate potential security threats.
This decision has sparked criticism from civil society organizations. In a joint statement, the Internet Governance Forum and the Internet Society have expressed concerns, stating, “Restricting access to digital platforms would not only impede democratic processes but also negatively impact the economy, disrupt businesses, and limit access to vital information and services.” Telecom operator Emtel has also noted that users will experience gradual disruptions due to the directive.
Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, who has held the position of Prime Minister since 2017, is seeking to maintain his party’s majority in the upcoming November 10 election, securing a fifth term in office. Both Jugnauth and police officials have previously alleged that the leaked calls were tampered with using artificial intelligence. Last year, a British court affirmed Jugnauth’s 2019 election victory against charges of bribery and undue influence, thereby reaffirming his legitimacy as the country’s leader.
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