By Our Repprter
The Tanzanian government has warned young people against engaging in unlawful activities on social media, saying many youths from poor families are being misled into cyber-related offences that later expose them to arrests and costly court cases.
The warning was issued on Thursday by Gerson Msigwa, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports and Chief Government Spokesperson, during the opening of the 21st working session for government information, communication, protocol and public relations officers in Njombe.
Mr Msigwa said some activists and social media influencers were encouraging young Tanzanians to violate the law online while remaining outside the country themselves.
“Technology has advanced significantly today. Once you commit an offence online, you can be traced and arrested,” he said.
He noted that many of those arrested over online misconduct are youths from low-income families, leaving parents and guardians struggling to meet legal expenses and court costs.
“Unfortunately, those misleading young people often target youths from poor families. When offences are committed, it is these young people who face the consequences,” he said.
Mr Msigwa urged young people to avoid blindly following online trends or individuals promoting actions that contravene Tanzanian laws, adding that both public servants and ordinary citizens would be held accountable for cyber-related offences.
The meeting in Njombe brought together government communication and public relations officers from different public institutions across the country.
