Mauritius, the Indian Ocean country hit by a large-scale wiretapping scandal, blocked access to social networks on Friday, just days before legislative elections scheduled for November 10.
The measure was announced by telecommunications operator EMTEL, which said it had received an order from the Information and Communication Technologies Authority last Thursday to block access to all social network platforms.
“After the publication of some recordings on social media, there is a real risk that the national security and integrity of our Republic and our international partners have been compromised,” the Presidency of the Council of Ministers said in a statement.
The blockade is expected to last until November 11, the day after the election.
This decision follows the scandal that erupted recently, when excerpts of telephone conversations of politicians, members of civil society, diplomats and journalists were recorded and disseminated on the Internet.
NetBlocks, an internet governance watchdog, confirmed that Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X were not accessible.
Former Mauritius Telecom chief executive Sherry Singh was arrested on Friday evening with three other suspects as part of the investigation into the leaks, police sources told AFP.
“It’s shocking, revolting and unacceptable. It’s a sign of panic,” said Paul Berenger, one of the leaders of the opposition coalition Alliance for Change.
“We are dealing with people who are dangerous for the country. Lawyers are working on what can be done legally. We will act very quickly on a legal and political level,” he added.
“This is the last desperate act of a failing regime,” said Nando Bodha, head of the opposition group Linion Reform.
“It directly attacks the fundamental rights of citizens guaranteed by the Constitution, including freedom of expression,” he added, calling for the intervention of the Electoral Commission to ensure that voting is “free and fair”.
Mauritius, one of Africa’s most stable democracies, will hold legislative elections on November 10.
In this election, Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth’s Militant Socialist Movement (MSM) will seek to maintain its majority in the National Assembly and give Mr. Jugnauth a new five-year term.
Pravind Kumar Jugnauth became Prime Minister after his father’s death in 2017, before ensuring his coalition’s victory in the 2019 legislative elections.
Time.news Interview with Cybersecurity Expert Dr. Aisha Patel on Mauritius Wiretapping Scandal
Editor (Michael): Welcome, Dr. Patel, and thank you for taking the time to speak with us today. The recent wiretapping scandal in Mauritius has garnered international attention, particularly with the unprecedented decision to block access to social networks just days before an election. What are your thoughts on this situation?
Dr. Aisha Patel: Thank you for having me, Michael. This situation is quite alarming and denotes a serious breach of privacy and trust. Wiretapping is generally a sensitive issue, but when it involves political figures, activists, and journalists, it crosses a moral and ethical line. The timing of the social media block raises significant concerns about the suppression of information and freedom of expression.
Michael: The Mauritian government justified the network blockade by citing threats to national security and the integrity of international relations. Do you think these reasons hold weight in the context of the upcoming elections?
Dr. Patel: In times of crisis or controversy, governments often lean on the narrative of national security to sidestep criticism. While national security is important, it should never come at the expense of public interest or transparency. Blocking access to social media not only limits communication but also inhibits the public’s ability to engage in informed discourse, especially during critical moments like elections.
Michael: The telecommunications operator EMTEL received instructions from the Information and Communication Technologies Authority to implement this block. How does this reflect on the independence of such regulatory bodies in Mauritius?
Dr. Patel: It raises serious questions about regulatory independence. If a regulatory body is acting under direct orders from the government, then the implications are two-fold: Firstly, it suggests a lack of autonomy in protecting citizens’ digital rights. Secondly, it can lead to a culture of fear and compliance among telecom operators, which ultimately undermines the democratic process.
Michael: As we’ve seen, the public reaction is stark; opposition figures describe the situation as “shocking” and “a sign of panic.” What are the broader implications for democracy if such actions are normalized in Mauritius and other nations?
Dr. Patel: If such actions become normalized, it sets a dangerous precedent for other democracies, particularly in emerging economies. Citizens may lose trust in their government’s intent, which can lead to political unrest and the rise of authoritarian practices. The silencing of dissent and limiting of information access contradicts the fundamental principles of democracy.
Michael: Given the arrest of former telecom chief Sherry Singh and other suspects involved in the leaks, how might this impact the investigation and public trust in the government’s handling of the issue?
Dr. Patel: Arrests are often a double-edged sword. They can signal that the government is taking the situation seriously, but can also appear as a tactic to deflect blame or to control the narrative. The public’s trust heavily relies on transparency in the legal processes that follow. If handled poorly, it could lead to more skepticism towards the government, ultimately impacting their legitimacy.
Michael: what steps should the international community take to support Mauritius during this turbulent time?
Dr. Patel: The international community should promote dialogue around digital rights and privacy protections, urging the Mauritian government to reconsider its approach towards media freedom. Furthermore, if the elections are seen as compromised due to these actions, international observers may play a vital role in ensuring that due process is followed and that the voice of the Mauritian people is not muffled by fear or oppression.
Michael: Thank you, Dr. Patel, for your insights on this critical issue. It’s clear that the unfolding events in Mauritius warrant closer attention, not just for the nuances of this scandal but for the broader conversations about privacy, security, and democracy.
Dr. Patel: Thank you, Michael. It’s imperative for all of us to stay engaged and informed about these developments, as they have far-reaching implications.