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One of the world's biggest news stories on March 4 was the daring return to #Venezuela of opposition leader and self-proclaimed interim president @jguaido. But most Venezuelans were unable to follow his homecoming. cpj.org/blog/2019/03/m…
Digital rights group @netblocks reported that #Venezuela's state-run internet service provider had temporarily blocked Twitter, streaming portals, and numerous websites that are among the only sources of independent news. cpj.org/blog/2019/03/m…
In #Venezuela, censorship combined with poor infrastructure--including frequent blackouts and one of the slowest internet speeds on the continent--mean that it's getting harder for journalists to do their jobs and for Venezuelans to stay informed. cpj.org/blog/2019/03/m…
Another problem amid Venezuela's economic meltdown and the collapse of the currency is cost. The minimum wage has shrunk to about U.S.$6 per month, leading to a decline in the country's internet, fixed line, and mobile usage, according to @Freedomhouse.
freedomhouse.org/report/freedom…
freedomhouse.org/report/freedom…
In #Venezuela, blocked domains have included widely read independent news websites such as @EfectoCocuyo, @ElPitazoTV , and @CaraotaDigital, as well as YouTube and Instagram.
cpj.org/blog/2019/03/m…
cpj.org/blog/2019/03/m…
"The (Maduro) government thrives on disconnection because it makes it harder for the opposition to mobilize people," says @NSC of #Venezuela's internet blackout. Opposition leaders rely almost solely on the internet to transmit news and information.
cpj.org/blog/2019/03/m…
cpj.org/blog/2019/03/m…
Venezuelan internet activist @LuisCarlos Díaz says that one reason why he thinks the Maduro government hasn't taken more drastic steps, like permanently blocking WhatsApp or Twitter, is because these services are popular among its own supporters.
cpj.org/blog/2019/03/m…
cpj.org/blog/2019/03/m…
Iria Puyosa, independent Venezuelan internet access consultant, predicts a broader internet crackdown should political and economic conditions worsen and the #Maduro regime become more desperate.
cpj.org/blog/2019/03/m…
cpj.org/blog/2019/03/m…
