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More than 50 civil society organizations are demanding the Nicolás Maduro regime stop imposing internet shutdowns and other human rights abuses in Venezuela in response to protests relating to the presidential election.
As protests have intensified, the Maduro-led administration has tightened its grip on the right to exercise fundamental freedoms including the right to assembly and freedom of expression. On the morning of August 1, 2024, state-owned internet service provider CANTV and its subsidiary Movilnet both went offline nationwide for nearly two hours. Since then there have been intermittent internet disruptions both nationally and regionally.
The ongoing intermittent internet shutdowns across Venezuela are further shrinking the already almost non-existent civic space in the country. Maduro’s regime can’t be allowed to toy with internet access at the detriment of people’s fundamental rights — it goes against the values and ideals of a democracy.Felicia Anthonio, #KeepItOn Campaign Manager at Access Now
Maduro’s government is a repeat offender when it comes to internet shutdowns. Access Now and the #KeepItOn coalition have documented at least 15 incidents of shutdowns in Venezuela between 2018 and 2023 to quell protests, target opposition activities, and control information flow. In 2019 alone, authorities imposed at least 12 shutdowns to clamp down on protests in the country.
It is clear that Maduro’s regime is keeping the people of Venezuela under siege — both online and off. The international community must condemn Maduro’s blatant disregard for human rights before the digital iron curtain is drawn on Venezuela’s democracy.Marianne Díaz Hernández, #WhyID Campaigner at Access Now
The regime has also targeted Venezuela’s independent media outlets, with at least 55 media outlets currently being blocked, denying people access to critical information. In addition, Maduro has also targeted popular social media platforms, accusing Instagram, TikTok, and X of “wanting to start a civil war.” At the time of publishing X remains blocked in the country, while TikTok and Instagram remain accessible.
Access Now and the #KeepItOn coalition call on Maduro and his allies to put an end to internet shutdowns as well as all other tactics being implemented to suppress freedom of expression, access to information, and the right to assembly and association across the country.