The wiretapping scandal in Mauritius has caused significant turmoil in the country.

Since mid-October 2024, around twenty conversations involving politicians, police officers, lawyers, journalists, and members of civil society have been leaked on social media.

These leaks have led to widespread concern and controversy, especially with the general election approaching November 10, 2024.

In response to the scandal, the Mauritius communications regulator has ordered all internet service providers to suspend access to social media platforms until November 11, a day after the election.

The government claims this measure is necessary to preserve national security and integrity. However, civil society groups argue that this shutdown could stifle democratic processes and harm the economy.

Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth and the police have suggested that artificial intelligence might have manipulated the leaked calls. The situation remains tense as the country prepares for the upcoming election.

FURTHER REPORT FROM REUTERS

Mauritius suspends social media until after election amid wiretapping scandal - November 1, 2024

Reuters has reported that Mauritius's communications regulator ordered all internet service providers to suspend social media access from Friday to November 11, a day after the upcoming general election, as the country reels from a wiretapping scandal.

The Information and Communication Technologies Authority [ICTA] said the temporary social media ban was in response to "illegal postings".

The Prime Minister's office said the restriction was necessary to preserve the country’s national security and integrity following the publication of "certain" audio clips.

Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth's office said in a statement.

• "A crisis committee is currently meeting to contain the existing risks as soon as possible,"

EMTEL, one of the three telecoms operators in the Indian Ocean country, said it was implementing the directive and that "the user experience will be progressively disrupted."

In the Nov. 10 election, Jugnauth is looking to hold onto his Militant Socialist Movement (MSM) party's majority in parliament and give himself another five years in office.

Jugnauth and the police claimed the leaked calls were manipulated using artificial intelligence.

In a joint statement, two civil society groups, the Internet Governance Forum and the Internet Society, said the dangers of shutting down the Internet far outweighed any perceived benefits.

The groups wrote.

• "Curtailing access to digital platforms would not only stifle democratic processes but also harm the economy, disrupt businesses, and restrict access to essential information and services."

Jugnauth became prime minister in 2017 when his father stepped down from the post.

Last year, a British court sitting as the final court of appeal for Mauritius upheld Jugnauth's 2019 election win, rejecting an appeal by an opposition candidate who alleged it had been obtained through bribery and undue influence.

SOURCE

• https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/mauritius-suspends-social-media-until-after-election-communications-regulator-2024-11-01/
• Mauritius suspends social media until after election amid wiretapping .... https://www.straitstimes.com/world/mauritius-suspends-social-media-until-after-election-amid-wiretapping-scandal.
• Five journalists targeted by wiretapping in Mauritius: RSF calls for an .... https://rsf.org/en/five-journalists-targeted-wiretapping-mauritius-rsf-calls-independent-investigation.
• Mauritius Suspends Social Media Until After Election, Communications .... https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2024-11-01/mauritius-suspends-social-media-until-after-election-communications-regulator-says.
• Mauritius suspends social media until after the election amid the wiretapping scandal. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/mauritius-suspends-social-media-until-after-election-amid-wiretapping-scandal/ar-AA1tjKNW.