"Maduro intensifies repression against social media and limits freedom of expression."

The recent transformation of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro from a defender to a detractor of social media has generated a critical and tense atmosphere in the country. In the face of accusations of fraud in his reelection and the cries of protest from the opposition, the president has launched attacks against platforms such as X, formerly known as Twitter, which he labels as "multipliers of hatred and fascism." This drastic stance has led to the suspension of X for a period of ten days, although the social network remains inaccessible without the use of a VPN, highlighting an attempt to control the flow of information in an environment where press freedom is increasingly restricted. With the recent approval of a law that regulates non-governmental organizations, Maduro's regime is preparing to implement new social media legislation that, according to critics, will serve to consolidate an even more robust censorship system. Giulio Cellini, director of Log Consultancy, warns that the government recognizes social media as a crucial vehicle for the population to obtain information, which has led it to act aggressively to contain protests and opposition criticism. The protests that have arisen following Maduro's electoral controversy have resulted in a tragic toll: 25 dead, nearly 200 injured, and over 2,000 detained. As repression intensifies, human rights activists have reported that arrests are not only physical but also virtual, with detentions motivated by social media posts. Marco Ruiz, from the National Union of Press Workers, highlights that in Venezuela there is a "curfew on the internet," a phrase that reflects the serious situation of persecution faced by citizens for their opinions on digital platforms. The official narrative maintains that Maduro's adversaries are using social media to promote violence. However, Carlos Correa, director of the NGO Espacio Público, argues that the true objective of the government is to close the "escape valves" that allow the population to access information in a media environment that has been systematically silenced. Over the past two decades, more than 400 media outlets have been shut down, leaving citizens with limited options for information. In this context, traditional media also face a critical situation. Censorship and self-censorship are common practices among open signal television and radio stations, while websites that criticize the government are frequent targets of blockades. International news networks, such as CNN en Español, have been excluded from programming by local operators, further limiting access to diverse perspectives on the country’s reality. Globally, Venezuela's situation in terms of press freedom is alarming. According to Reporters Without Borders, the country ranks 156 out of 180 in its press freedom index, surpassing only Nicaragua and Cuba in Latin America. In this context, the SNTP has recorded arrests of reporters and has denounced layoffs in state media, reflecting a policy of reprisals against those who dare to express opinions contrary to the regime. Communication Minister Freddy Ñáñez has downplayed the importance of these platforms, claiming that "Venezuela can live without X." However, this statement ignores the fundamental role that X, despite its limitations, has played in Venezuelan politics, serving as a key communication channel for opponents of the regime. With over 2.7 million registered accounts in the country, its blockade limits the reach of critical voices in an already hostile environment. Despite the repression, social media continues to be a space for resistance and political debate. Opposition leaders, such as María Corina Machado, use these platforms to assert their positions and mobilize their supporters. The ability of these figures to communicate directly with their bases through X and other networks is threatened by the government's effort to silence dissenting voices. Maduro, for his part, has not stopped appearing in state media, where propaganda becomes the official voice of the regime. An example of this is the character Superbigote, who presents the president as a superhero fighting against the "monsters" of the opposition and the United States. In a recent episode, Elon Musk was caricatured as a demon, reflecting the media war the government wages not only against its internal adversaries but also against international figures who challenge its authority. In conclusion, Maduro's war against social media in Venezuela is not just an attack on freedom of expression, but a desperate attempt to control the narrative and silence dissent at a critical moment for his government. The repression of critical voices, the censorship of the media, and the virtual curfew on the internet demonstrate a regime that fears the truth and the will of its people. The struggle for freedom of expression in Venezuela is ultimately a struggle for the right to be informed and to be heard amid oppression.