Venezuela internet censorship persists despite partial unblocking of media sites

Digital censorship remains widespread in Venezuela despite a recent partial lifting of internet restrictions by the National Commission of Telecommunications (Conatel). While Conatel unblocked approximately 20 sites, including outlets like Efecto Cocuyo and El Pitazo, monitoring organizations report that the measure is insufficient.

NGO Espacio Público reports that 76% of verified news and privacy websites remain unreachable. Other monitors, such as Ve Sin Filtro, indicate that at least 177 domains—including news portals, human rights organizations, and VPN services—continue to be blocked. Major international outlets like The Wall Street Journal and Infobae, as well as local investigative sites like La Patilla and Tal Cual, remain subject to significant restrictions.

The United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights has called on the Venezuelan state to end censorship and re-open blocked sites. While the UN acknowledged the recent unblocking as a step in the right direction, officials urge for more comprehensive measures to ensure freedom of expression and access to information.