Mauritius’s communications regulator announced on Friday, November 1, 2024, that all internet service providers must suspend access to social media platforms until November 11, the day following the country’s general election, as a wiretapping scandal grips the nation.
Since mid-October, leaked audio conversations have circulated on social media, featuring discussions involving politicians, police, lawyers, journalists, and civil society members. Media watchdog Reporters Without Borders reported that at least 20 recordings have surfaced, raising concerns over privacy and political interference.
The November 10 election will see Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth aiming to secure another term for his Militant Socialist Movement (MSM) party. Jugnauth and police officials have argued that the leaked calls were manipulated with artificial intelligence, seeking to cast doubt on their authenticity as they campaign to maintain control in parliament.
