Maduro accuses TikTok and Instagram of fostering hate amid the Venezuelan crisis.

Nicolás Maduro, the president of Venezuela, has sparked a wave of controversy by labeling social media platforms TikTok and Instagram as "multipliers of hate" in the context of the political tensions plaguing the country. During a recent televised event, the leader accused these platforms of fostering social discontent and division among Venezuelans, especially following the disputed elections that brought him back to power. Maduro argued that the use of these platforms is unregulated in Venezuela, which, according to him, has allowed for the proliferation of messages that promote hate and violence. In his speech, he called on the Defense Council and the Security Council of the country to formulate recommendations on the management of these networks, suggesting that greater oversight could mitigate the adverse effects he perceives. This approach comes in a context of growing discontent and protests following the publication of electoral results that the opposition and a significant part of the international community reject. The president did not stop there. He pointed out that cyberattacks directed at the computer system of the National Electoral Council (CNE) are part of a broader plan to destabilize the government. In his statements, he emphasized that these attacks aim to divide the Bolivarian National Armed Forces (FANB) and weaken the cohesion of the country in the face of what he calls "North American imperialism" that conspires against his government. Maduro's rhetoric reflects a strategic use of warlike and victimized language, employing the idea of a "cyber war" to consolidate his image as a leader defending national sovereignty. The protests that have erupted in response to the electoral results have been violent, with reports indicating the detention of approximately 2,000 people and the deaths of several civilians and military personnel. The situation raises questions about Maduro's government's ability to maintain social and political control amid a crisis that has dragged on for years. The strategy of blaming social media and external actors can be seen as an attempt to divert attention from internal criticisms and rising public dissatisfaction. Maduro's statements about social media can be interpreted as an attempt to justify more drastic measures of information control. In a country where freedom of expression has been constantly restricted, the call to regulate platforms like TikTok and Instagram could herald a tightening of control over digital media. This perspective adds to an already complex landscape where access to information is compromised by government censorship. As social media becomes an increasingly influential tool in the mobilization and organization of protests, the government's response may include not only regulation but also potential reprisals against users promoting opposition messages. The idea that these platforms are responsible for the spread of hate could serve as an easy argument to justify actions against those who criticize the government online. On the other hand, the role of Diosdado Cabello, one of the most influential leaders of Chavismo, becomes relevant in this context. Cabello has maintained a hardline stance against dissent and is considered a key figure in Maduro's strategy to consolidate his power. The dynamic between these two leaders, along with other government actors, suggests that the hard core of Chavismo is determined to maintain control at all costs, using both the repressive apparatus of the state and a narrative of victimization. The situation in Venezuela is a clear reminder of how power is sustained not only through coercive measures but also through the manipulation of information and public opinion. Maduro's accusations of "cyber fascism" and "multipliers of hate" may resonate with a segment of the population seeking answers and leadership in times of crisis, but they could also alienate those who view these claims as attempts to silence dissent. The challenge for Maduro's government will be to navigate an increasingly complicated environment, where opposition voices, both domestically and abroad, continue to rise. Social media, far from being mere communication platforms, are becoming the battleground of a struggle for power that, as it progresses, could have significant repercussions for the future stability of Venezuela. The outcome of this dispute will not only affect the present but could shape the political narrative of the country in the years to come.