A significant portion of images circulated on social media during and after the October 29, 2025 General Election unrest were digitally manipulated using artificial intelligence, a presidential probe has found, raising concerns over misinformation and its impact on public perception.
Chairman of the Commission of Inquiry into the October 29 incidents, retired Chief Justice Mohamed Othman Chande, said the commission’s digital forensic analysis established that some widely shared photos and videos depicting killings and mass casualties were not authentic.
Presenting the findings to President Samia Suluhu Hassan at State House in Dar es Salaam on April 23, 2026, Justice Chande said the manipulated content was designed to mislead the public into believing it reflected real events.
“Our investigation enabled us to distinguish between authentic and non-authentic images using technical expertise,” he said. “For example, one of the widely circulated images showing bodies in blue bags being buried in what appeared to be mass graves has been used in different contexts globally and does not originate from these events.”
The commission noted that such images were repeatedly shared across platforms, amplifying narratives that did not necessarily correspond with verified facts on the ground.
According to Justice Chande, the inquiry relied on a combination of digital evidence and corroborated information from multiple sources to meet internationally recognised standards of proof.
He said the commission analysed a total of 450 still images and 880 video clips collected through various channels, including submissions from witnesses, security agencies and open-source platforms such as media outlets and social networks.
“The use of mixed evidence from diverse sources allowed the commission to cross-check information and ensure the credibility of its findings,” he said.
Analysts say the findings highlight the growing role of artificial intelligence in shaping information flows during politically sensitive periods, where manipulated content can spread quickly and influence public opinion.
They warn that without strong verification mechanisms and digital literacy, such content risks undermining trust in institutions and escalating tensions during critical national events.
The report underscores the need for greater scrutiny of online content and stronger collaboration between authorities, media and the public to counter misinformation, particularly as digital tools become more sophisticated.
