Maduro threatens to sever relations with WhatsApp over accusations of threats.

President Nicolás Maduro has stirred up a new controversy by announcing his intention to "break relations" with the popular messaging app WhatsApp. During a speech last Monday, Maduro accused the platform, which is owned by the American company Meta, of being used by "fascist groups" to threaten Venezuela. This statement adds to the growing rhetoric of the Chavista regime, which has intensified its discourse against digital platforms and their supposed interference in the country's internal affairs.

"I am going to break relations with WhatsApp because they are using it to threaten Venezuela," Maduro declared, adding that he plans to delete the app from his phone and migrate to Telegram, a platform that has gained popularity in several countries for its privacy features. In his argument, the president insisted that the threats originate from "phones in Colombia, Miami, Peru, and Chile," accusing a supposed "external enemy" of trying to destabilize his government.

Maduro's tone became more vehement as he asserted that the app has been used to intimidate military families and popular leaders in the country. In rhetoric reminiscent of his most extreme speeches, he stated that "criminals have Colombian, Chilean, American chips," emphasizing the idea that the use of WhatsApp is a tool of attack against the Venezuelan state. These statements resonated with his supporters, who cheered his pronouncement at the event.

Maduro's decision to marginalize WhatsApp is not an isolated incident on the international stage. In April of this year, Apple also had to remove the app from its App Store in China, under orders from the Chinese Cyberspace Administration. This act was perceived as part of a broader strategy by the Chinese government to limit access to platforms that could influence national security. This dynamic of censorship has led to apps like WeChat, which collaborates with the government in removing sensitive content, becoming the preferred option in the Asian country.

The situation in Venezuela is reflected in other authoritarian regimes in the region. In Nicaragua, Sandinista leader Daniel Ortega has banned his militants from participating in WhatsApp groups that do not have the party's authorization. This measure, communicated by Gustavo Porras, one of the regime's high-ranking officials, aims for even stricter control over communication among party members. Concerns about security and the possibility of infiltration within their ranks have led to such restrictions.

As tensions rise in Venezuela, Maduro's decision could have significant implications both internally and in the international perception of the regime. The search for alternatives to WhatsApp, such as Telegram and WeChat, may be seen as an attempt to create more controlled communication spaces that are less susceptible to external criticism. However, the migration to these platforms also raises questions about the effectiveness of these means in the context of a nation where freedom of expression is already limited.

The use of messaging apps has become crucial in modern communication, both in personal and political contexts. The fact that a leader like Maduro decides to renounce one of the main tools of digital communication reflects the regime's increasing paranoia towards dissenting voices. The assertion that apps can be used by "criminals" to threaten citizens is a clear indicator of the government's perception of vulnerability in the face of opposition.

The situation in Venezuela, marked by political and economic crisis, becomes increasingly complex with such statements. The international community watches closely as Maduro's regime seeks to consolidate its control through censorship and the limitation of communication tools. While the rhetoric of an external threat may resonate with some sectors of the population, it is evident that the reality in the country is far from a narrative of security and stability.

Maduro has appealed to a sense of national unity against what he considers an external attack, but this strategy may not be enough to divert attention from the internal problems the country faces. Freedom of expression and the possibility of open communication are fundamental to any democracy, and the restrictions imposed by the regime only deepen the isolation and discontent among the population.

In summary, Maduro's decision to distance himself from WhatsApp is a manifestation of the growing control they seek to impose over information and communication in Venezuela. With this measure, the Chavista regime not only attempts to delegitimize the app, but also seeks to create an environment where control over the political narrative is maintained through more manageable platforms that are less exposed to criticism. However, the challenge the government faces is significant, as the reality of the Venezuelan people remains a struggle for fundamental rights, including the right to information and free expression.