Lawfare Daily: How Internet Infrastructure Affects Digital Repression in Venezuela
Aug 26, 2024
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In this insightful discussion, Eugenia Lostri, a Lawfare Fellow specializing in Technology Policy, and Esteban Carisimo, a Postdoctoral Researcher at Northwestern University, delve into Venezuela's troubling digital landscape post-elections. They analyze how internet censorship fuels protests and stifles dissent, contrasting Venezuela's infrastructure with other Latin American nations. The duo also addresses the urgent need for investment to improve connectivity while emphasizing the essential role of resilient networks in defending democratic values and human rights.
The Venezuelan government's internet censorship, particularly during protests, highlights its strategy to suppress dissent and manage public sentiment.
Improving Venezuela's internet infrastructure requires overcoming political obstacles and obtaining international support to enhance connectivity and service quality.
Deep dives
Political Context and Electoral Disillusionment
The recent presidential election in Venezuela, claimed to be won by President Nicolas Maduro, has been met with skepticism both domestically and internationally. The opposition, unified under Maria Corina Machado, had high hopes for success, especially given prior polls indicating a potential win. However, the National Electoral Council's declaration of Maduro's near ten-point victory, without substantiating evidence, has led to widespread protests. This situation underscores the ongoing disillusionment and unrest in the country as citizens grapple with a perceived lack of democracy and transparency in the political process.
Repression of Protests and Digital Communication
Following the controversial election results, protests erupted in Venezuela, driven by public disbelief in the reported outcomes. The government's response included both physical repression of demonstrators and targeted internet censorship aimed at stifling digital communications. Critical services such as Twitter and WhatsApp have faced significant restrictions, affecting not just protest organization but also normal family communication, as many citizens rely on these platforms for connections with relatives abroad. The expanded reach of digital repression reflects a broader strategy to suppress dissent and manage public sentiment in an increasingly authoritarian environment.
Internet Infrastructure and Censorship Mechanisms
The state of internet infrastructure in Venezuela has contributed significantly to the effectiveness of government censorship efforts. While earlier instances of censorship were often isolated and temporary, current conditions permit extensive and sustained blocking of key communication services. The government's ability to impose such censorship is made easier by its control over major internet service providers, which have diminished capabilities for alternative connectivity. This landscape suggests that the concentrated nature of internet infrastructure allows for more effective repression of dissent compared to countries with more decentralized networks.
The Road to Recovery and Future Connectivity
For Venezuela to improve its internet situation, a normalization of its political environment is essential, as they need renewed connections with international providers and investments in infrastructure. While the existing capabilities within state-owned providers could be harnessed for better connectivity, significant international support and investments are vital for building modern internet systems. Experts suggest reconnecting with established foreign providers and developing local infrastructure to mitigate the severe connectivity gap that has developed over the last decade. Achieving these goals will hinge upon the political climate, underscoring the interconnected nature of governance and technology in facilitating societal recovery.
Lawfare Fellow in Technology Policy and Law Eugenia Lostri sits down with Esteban Carisimo, a Postdoctoral Researcher at Northwestern University to talk about the digital repression in Venezuela after the recent elections. Carisimo co-authored a recent report on the effects of the Venezuelan crisis on internet infrastructure. They discuss how internet censorship impacts the protests, how Venezuela's infrastructure compares to other countries in the region, and what the path to recovery looks like.