Venezuela digital censorship escalates with 78% block on El Nacional

Digital censorship in Venezuela has intensified, with the news outlet El Nacional facing an inaccessibility rate of 78% as of early October. This surge in blocking reverses previous indications of openness following announcements by the National Telecommunications Commission (Conatel).

According to monitoring by the NGO Espacio Público and OONI, approximately 40 websites remain blocked, including news portals such as La Patilla and VPItv, as well as financial platforms like AirTM. These restrictions impact access to information, digital financial services, and essential work tools.

Espacio Público reported 89 cases involving 170 complaints of freedom of expression violations between January and August. The organization noted that intimidation remains a primary pattern of restriction. Additionally, at least four radio stations were closed in regions including Táchira, Miranda, Carabobo, and the Capital District.