In Venezuela, the people have developed a strong reliance on digital networks to stay informed and adapt to censorship, disinformation, and repression. After years of harassment and imprisonment of journalists by the government, Venezuelans have had to learn new skills to circumvent these tactics.
The recent US military attack on Caracas has highlighted the importance of these digital safeguards. When the attacks began, many Venezuelans initially relied on traditional media outlets, but they were quickly shut down or forced to broadcast only solemn music in mourning. It was then that independent media outlets sprang into action, broadcasting minute-by-minute coverage of the events.
To stay informed, Venezuelans have turned to social media platforms such as WhatsApp, X (formerly Twitter), and Telegram. These platforms have become essential tools for communication and information-sharing, despite the government's efforts to block them or impose restrictions on their use.
In response to the US military attack, Maduro's government issued a decree declaring a state of external emergency, suspending public services and oil production, and mandating the arrest of anyone who promotes or supports "the armed attack by the United States against the Republic." The decree was implemented with force, leading to the detention of four men allegedly supporting the US attack.
The use of digital tools has become increasingly important in Venezuela as a means of self-regulation. Venezuelans have begun to adopt practices such as checking their devices regularly and avoiding sharing sensitive information online, out of fear of reprisals from state security organizations and colectivos (vigilante groups operating with the government's consent).
The situation remains uncertain, and it is unclear whether the current state of surveillance will continue in post-Maduro Venezuela. For now, life has become more complicated for Venezuelans as they navigate their digital lives under a new government.
In summary, the people of Venezuela have developed a strong reliance on digital networks to stay informed and adapt to censorship and repression. Despite efforts by the government to block or restrict these platforms, Venezuelans continue to use them to communicate and share information.
The recent US military attack on Caracas has highlighted the importance of these digital safeguards. When the attacks began, many Venezuelans initially relied on traditional media outlets, but they were quickly shut down or forced to broadcast only solemn music in mourning. It was then that independent media outlets sprang into action, broadcasting minute-by-minute coverage of the events.
To stay informed, Venezuelans have turned to social media platforms such as WhatsApp, X (formerly Twitter), and Telegram. These platforms have become essential tools for communication and information-sharing, despite the government's efforts to block them or impose restrictions on their use.
In response to the US military attack, Maduro's government issued a decree declaring a state of external emergency, suspending public services and oil production, and mandating the arrest of anyone who promotes or supports "the armed attack by the United States against the Republic." The decree was implemented with force, leading to the detention of four men allegedly supporting the US attack.
The use of digital tools has become increasingly important in Venezuela as a means of self-regulation. Venezuelans have begun to adopt practices such as checking their devices regularly and avoiding sharing sensitive information online, out of fear of reprisals from state security organizations and colectivos (vigilante groups operating with the government's consent).
The situation remains uncertain, and it is unclear whether the current state of surveillance will continue in post-Maduro Venezuela. For now, life has become more complicated for Venezuelans as they navigate their digital lives under a new government.
In summary, the people of Venezuela have developed a strong reliance on digital networks to stay informed and adapt to censorship and repression. Despite efforts by the government to block or restrict these platforms, Venezuelans continue to use them to communicate and share information.
. The fact that Maduro's government is trying to crack down on digital tools is just another example of how out of touch they are with the people 
. I mean, can't they see that social media platforms like WhatsApp and X have become the new lifeline for Venezuelans looking for truth and freedom? It's like they think we're not smart enough to figure it out on our own 
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. I'm all for national security, but you can't do that by suspending public services and arresting anyone who speaks out against the government 
. It's like they're trying to create a culture of fear, where people are too afraid to even share information online 
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. I mean, shouldn't we be working towards a future where everyone has access to reliable and trustworthy information, no matter what the government says? 
they're basically forced to rely on digital channels cuz traditional media's shut down, but at the same time gov's trying to control what info gets out online too... 
whats worrying is that now they're living in constant fear, always checking their devices for any sign of trouble, it's like being on high alert all the time 
but for real, it's scary how much control the gov has over people's lives, especially when it comes to online activity. u gotta be so careful what u share and who u trust with ur info 
. i hope they can find a way out of this situation without losing too much of their freedom 
And of course, social media is the only place they can go to get info, since who needs actual journalists when you've got 280 characters a minute? 
It's kinda funny how they're having to "self-regulate" now, like they didn't already know not to share sensitive info online. 
Anyway, hope everyone stays safe and can get some decent Wi-Fi in Caracas 
, but it's real life for Venezuelans right now. And let's be real, social media has become their lifeline 
. I mean, WhatsApp and X have taken over as their go-to news sources - no wonder they're so good at breaking news! 
, but the stakes are super high for Venezuelans. Can't wait to see how this all plays out in post-Maduro Venezuela 
. Venezuelans have had to get creative with their digital tools, using WhatsApp and Telegram to stay informed and communicate with each other. And it's not just about staying informed, it's also about avoiding reprisals from the gov't. I feel for those who are trying to make a living online without being harassed or arrested 
. It's going to be interesting to see how this all plays out in post-Maduro Venezuela 
. Those poor people have been through so much already - years of harassment and imprisonment for journalists? Are we kidding ourselves?! 
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. Instead, we're just sitting here watching from afar, doing our own thing and leaving them to fend for themselves 
. It's like, what are we even doing?!
. I'm just glad my cousin is safe for now 
!
vs. Venezuela 
️
. I guess what it shows is that digital tools can be a powerful tool for self-regulation, even in the face of oppression 
. They've got to be constantly on their toes to avoid getting caught up in all the government's tricks. It's like they're playing a game of cat and mouse online 
. And it's not just about staying informed, but also about staying safe - I mean, who wants to get arrested or worse for sharing info? 