Mauritius’s communications regulator has directed its internet service providers to suspend access to social media platforms on Friday to November 11, a day after the upcoming general election, as the country reels from a wiretapping scandal.
So far, about 20 conversations involving politicians, police, lawyers, journalists and members of civil society have been leaked on social media since mid-October, according to the media watchdog, Reporters Without Borders.
The Information and Communication Technologies Authority gave a statement, saying the temporary social media ban was in response to “illegal postings”.
In addition, the Prime Minister’s office said the suspension was necessary to preserve the national security and integrity of the country, especially after the publication of “certain” audio clips.
During the November 10 election, Jugnauth is looking to hold onto his Militant Socialist Movement (MSM) party’s majority in parliament and win himself another five years in office.
Jugnauth and police operatives have previously claimed the leaked calls were manipulated using artificial intelligence (AI).
Meanwhile, two civil society groups; the Internet Governance Forum and the Internet Society, both said the dangers of shutting down the internet far outweighed any perceived benefits.
Jugnauth first became prime minister in 2017, when his father resigned from the post.
Last year, a British court sitting as the final court of appeal for Mauritius sustained Jugnauth’s 2019 election win, rejecting an appeal by an opposition candidate who alleged it had been obtained through bribery and undue influence.
