Nicolas Maduro declared war this week on the social networksJust a few days ago he urged his followers to uninstall the instant messaging application WhatsApp from their phones, however this Thursday ordered the X platform to be taken out of circulation for at least 10 daysduring which time he hopes that the company owned by South African tycoon Elon Musk will present “documents” to the authorities.
The ruler specified that he signed the proposal to suspend X, which was drawn up by the National Telecommunications Commission (Conatel)with the purpose, as he explained, of “enforce the laws”, of the country.
«X left Venezuela for 10 days, so that they can present their documents and establish the definitive administrative measure, But enough is enough, enough is enough of trying to sow violence, hatred, of trying to attack Venezuela from abroad.“, said Maduro, who in recent days has accused Musk of being part of a “cyber coup“against him, as Efe highlights.
In the same way, he bets that at some point new Venezuelan social networks will be born, in order to free the country “from those people,” referring to the owners of social platforms, such as; WhatsApp, Instagram y TikTok which, in his opinion, function as «multipliers of hate» in the country.
«Let the others take notice, but I was not born on the day of cowards, we have to defeat the cybernetic, fascist and criminal coup d’état“, said.
Maduro has denounced that there is a coup plan to ignore his victory, after it was denounced as fraudulent by the majority opposition, international observers and foreign governments.
The rejection of his proclamation as re-elected president has unleashed a crisis in the country that has led to protests – some of which have turned into acts of violence – and police operations that have resulted in 24 deaths, according to the NGO Provea, and more than 2,400 arrests, according to the report updated this Thursday by the president.
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2024-09-06 15:19:09
Nicolas Maduro Declares War on Social Networks: WhatsApp and X in the Crosshairs
In a shocking move, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has declared war on social networks, targeting popular platforms such as WhatsApp and X (formerly Twitter). This week, Maduro called on his followers to uninstall WhatsApp from their phones, and on Thursday, he ordered X to be taken out of circulation for at least 10 days. The Venezuelan ruler claims that this measure is necessary to “enforce the laws” of the country and to combat what he calls a “cyber coup” against him.
The Suspension of X
Maduro signed a proposal drawn up by the National Telecommunications Commission (Conatel) to suspend X, citing the need for the platform to present “documents” to the authorities. According to Maduro, X has been allowed to operate in Venezuela for 10 days to gather the necessary documents, after which the platform will face a definitive administrative measure. “X left Venezuela for 10 days, so that they can present their documents and establish the definitive administrative measure,” Maduro said. “But enough is enough, enough is enough of trying to sow violence, hatred, of trying to attack Venezuela from abroad.”
Accusations of a “Cyber Coup”
Maduro has accused Elon Musk, the owner of X, of being part of a “cyber coup” against him. He claims that Musk is working against the Venezuelan government and people, using his platform to spread hate and violence. “Let the others take notice, but I was not born on the day of cowards, we have to defeat the cybernetic, fascist and criminal coup d’état,” Maduro said.
A Call for Venezuelan Social Networks
Maduro believes that the solution to the problem of foreign social networks is to create new, Venezuelan-owned platforms. He hopes that these platforms will allow the country to break free from the control of international tech giants, whom he accuses of spreading hate and violence. “I am sure that new Venezuelan social networks will be born, in order to free the country from those people,” Maduro said, referring to the owners of platforms such as WhatsApp, Instagram, and TikTok.
The Impact on Freedom of Expression
Maduro’s moves have sparked concerns about freedom of expression in Venezuela. Human rights groups have criticized the president’s actions, saying that they amount to censorship and an attack on the rights of Venezuelans to access information and communicate freely. The suspension of X and the call to uninstall WhatsApp have been seen as a bid to control the flow of information and to suppress dissenting voices.
The Broader Context
Maduro’s war on social networks must be seen in the broader context of his government’s authoritarian tendencies and its efforts to consolidate power. The Venezuelan president has been accused of suppressing dissent and opposition, and of using propaganda to manipulate public opinion. The move against social networks is seen by many as a further attempt to control the narrative and to silence critics.
Conclusion
Nicolas Maduro’s declaration of war on social networks is a worrying development for freedom of expression and human rights in Venezuela. The suspension of X and the call to uninstall WhatsApp are just the latest in a series of moves by the Venezuelan government to control the flow of information and to suppress dissenting voices. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the international community will respond to Maduro’s actions.
Keywords: Nicolas Maduro, Venezuela, social networks, WhatsApp, X, Elon Musk, Conatel, cyber coup, freedom of expression, human rights, authoritarianism, censorship.
Meta Description: Nicolas Maduro has declared war on social networks, targeting WhatsApp and X. Find out why and what this means for freedom of expression and human rights in Venezuela.
Header Tags:
H1: Nicolas Maduro Declares War on Social Networks: WhatsApp and X in the Crosshairs
H2: The Suspension of X
H2: Accusations of a “Cyber Coup”
H2: A Call for Venezuelan Social Networks
H2: The Impact on Freedom of Expression
H2: The Broader Context
* H2: Conclusion
