Mauritius reversed its decision to block access to social media on Saturday, following backlash over its plans to restrict platforms ahead of the general election on November 10. Authorities initially justified the ban, citing concerns for national security after a recent wiretapping scandal led to the leak of sensitive political conversations on social media.
The scandal involved several high-profile leaks, including one in which a police commissioner allegedly asked a forensic pathologist to alter an autopsy report of a detainee who died in police custody. An investigation into the incident is currently underway.
The ban, which had affected platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X, was meant to continue until the day after the election. However, widespread criticism from citizens, opposition parties, civil society, and business groups led officials to reconsider. Many critics argued that the ban would harm democratic discourse and potentially impact the economy.
Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth confirmed that an inquiry into the leaked recordings is in progress, and several arrests have already been made.
