started · updated
Venezuela unblocks digital news sites amid political negotiations
Venezuela's telecommunications regulator, Conatel, has announced the formal restoration of access to various national and international digital news platforms. This decision follows recommendations from the Program for Peace and Democratic Coexistence and coincides with the start of a second cycle of US-backed political transition negotiations in Caracas.
Several major media outlets, including El Nacional, Efecto Cocuyo, El Pitazo, and NTN24, have regained access without the need for VPNs. While opposition leader Dinorah Figuera described the move as a ‘first step’ toward restoring civil rights, digital rights NGO VE Sin Filtro noted that approximately 194 websites, including 84 news outlets, remain blocked across the country.
The unblocking occurs amidst ongoing tensions regarding press freedom. The National Union of Press Workers (SNTP) has called for the immediate repeal of the Law against Hate, which they claim is used to criminalize journalists. As of January 2026, the SNTP reported that 40 press workers were facing legal proceedings, with 28 charged under the hate speech legislation.
Entities
Asamblea Nacional Constituyente · Conatel · Delcy Rodríguez · Dinorah Figuera · National Union of Press Workers · SNTP · Sindicato Nacional de Trabajadores de la Prensa · VE Sin Filtro · Venezuela
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 4 SOURCES] The NGO VE Sin Filtro reports that at least 194 websites, including 84 news outlets, remain blocked in Venezuela. www.elnuevosiglo.com.co · jovempan.com.br · g5noticias.cl
- [● 10 SOURCES] The unblocking of certain media portals is viewed as a first step toward restoring civil rights. contrapunto.com · laverdad.com · www.elnuevosiglo.com.co · jovempan.com.br · www.brasilemfolhas.com.br · +2 more
- [DISPUTED] Seven out of ten journalists facing prosecution are charged with incitement to hatred. espiganoticias.net
- [● 2 SOURCES] As of January 2026, 40 press workers were detained or facing judicial proceedings. espiganoticias.net
- [● 3 SOURCES] The National Union of Press Workers (SNTP) is demanding the repeal of the Law against Hate. espiganoticias.net
- [● 7 SOURCES] A second cycle of US-backed negotiations for political transition began on September 17. laverdad.com · www.brasilemfolhas.com.br · www.elnuevosiglo.com.co · es.euronews.com · jovempan.com.br
- [DISPUTED] Of the 40 press workers facing legal issues, 28 were charged under the Law against Hate. espiganoticias.net
- [● 9 SOURCES] Conatel announced the formal restoration of access to various national and international digital media platforms. arepatecnologica.com · www.brasilemfolhas.com.br · www.elnuevosiglo.com.co · es.euronews.com · jovempan.com.br · +2 more