Draft:Mauritius Social Media Ban 2024

The '''Mauritius Social Media Ban of 2024''' refers to a temporary suspension of access to major social media platforms in the Republic of Mauritius, imposed on October 31, 2024, by the Information and Communication Technologies Authority (ICTA). Initially set to last until November 11, 2024, coinciding with the country's general elections, the ban was introduced in response to the leakage of sensitive recordings, believed to have been obtained through illegal wiretapping. However, after 24 hours, the government reversed the decision, citing consultations with relevant authorities. The reversal followed significant opposition from political groups and media organizations, raising concerns about the balance between national security and freedom of expression in the digital age.

Background

On October 31, 2024, the ICTA instructed telecommunications providers to block access to several major social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Instagram. This decision followed the circulation of secret audio recordings online since late September 2024. The recordings, allegedly obtained through illegal wiretapping, featured private conversations involving politicians, journalists, civil society leaders, and foreign diplomats. The government expressed concern that the leak could undermine the integrity of the general election, scheduled for November 11, 2024.

Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth's office stated that the leaked materials had compromised national security and the integrity of the republic, including its relations with international partners. In response, the government imposed the social media ban to prevent further dissemination of the recordings in the lead-up to the elections..

Reversal of the Ban

The social media ban, initially intended to last for 12 days, was lifted after just 24 hours. On November 2, 2024, the ICTA issued a statement announcing the suspension's reversal, attributing the change to "consultation with competent authorities." The decision followed widespread public criticism, particularly from opposition political parties, media organizations, and citizens who relied on social media for news and communication. While the reversal was seen as a win for free speech advocates, the initial ban sparked a debate regarding its legality and its potential impact on democratic freedoms.

Missie Moustass and the Wiretapping Scandal

The controversy surrounding the social media ban centered on the account Missie Moustass (translated as "Mr. Moustache"), which was responsible for sharing the leaked recordings on platforms like TikTok. The account quickly gained attention for posting a series of audios that included conversations involving high-profile individuals. Despite efforts to shut it down, the account resurfaced on various platforms, continuing to post new recordings.

The leaked materials contained serious allegations, including one in which the Police Commissioner allegedly pressured a forensic doctor to alter a report about the death of a man who had reportedly been beaten by police officers. This led to the initiation of a judicial investigation. Additionally, several private conversations involving Charlotte Pierre, the British High Commissioner to Mauritius, were also leaked, escalating the scandal.

The Missie Moustass leak is considered one of the most significant political scandals in recent years, involving allegations of corruption and misconduct within government and law enforcement, which raised concerns about transparency and accountability.

Political Reactions and Opposition Criticism

The social media ban and its reversal elicited mixed reactions from political figures. Opposition parties, including Linion Reform, condemned the suspension as an unconstitutional infringement on the right to freedom of expression as protected by the Mauritian Constitution. Prominent opposition leader Roshi Bhadain called the move "a gross violation of democratic rights," comparing it to practices in authoritarian regimes.

Critics within the opposition argued that the government's actions aimed to suppress critical voices ahead of the election. They suggested that the government's focus on controlling the narrative, by restricting access to information, was an attempt to deflect attention from the leaked recordings implicating several politicians and officials in misconduct.

Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, who was seeking re-election as leader of the Militant Socialist Movement (MSM), faced mounting pressure. The leaked materials involving high-ranking officials in his administration led to further scrutiny of his leadership, particularly as the election neared.

Legal and Constitutional Debate

The reversal of the social media ban did not resolve the legal issues regarding its implementation. Legal experts and civil rights groups questioned whether the ICTA’s directive violated principles of proportionality and freedom of expression under the Mauritian Constitution. The government defended the ban as a measure to safeguard national security, while critics contended that it was an excessive action aimed at suppressing political dissent ahead of the election..

In response, Linion Reform filed a motion in the Supreme Court challenging the legality of the ban. The case highlighted the tension between the government's need to address security concerns and the protection of civil liberties, particularly in an age when social media plays a key role in political dialogue.