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Venezuela unblocks several news websites following years of censorship
Venezuela's telecommunications regulator, Conatel, has announced the formal restoration of access to several national and international news websites and digital platforms. This move follows years of digital censorship where users often required VPNs to access independent media. Outlets such as El Nacional, El Pitazo, Efecto Cocuyo, and Runrunes are among those reported to have regained connectivity, though some users have experienced intermittent access across different internet service providers.
The unblocking occurs as the interim government and opposition enter a second round of political dialogue in Caracas, a process supported by the United States. Key agenda items for these talks include freedom of expression, political rights, and the renewal of the Supreme Tribunal of Justice (TSJ).
Despite the announcement, digital rights organizations and the National Association of Journalists (CNP) have expressed caution. The NGO VE Sin Filtro reports that while some access has returned, approximately 188 websites remain blocked, including 79 news portals. The CNP has called for a total and non-selective restoration of all blocked sites and has demanded investigations into the previous censorship measures.
Entities
Colegio Nacional de Periodistas · Comisión Nacional de Telecomunicaciones · Conatel · Delcy Rodríguez · Dinorah Figuera · TalCual · VE Sin Filtro · Venezuela · Víctor Amaya
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [DISPUTED] At least 188 websites remain blocked in Venezuela, including 79 news portals. www.brasilemfolhas.com.br · en.tempo.co · www.expreso.ec
- [● 4 SOURCES] The editorial director of Runrunes stated that the move represents a recognition by authorities that the portals were being censored. observador.cr · www.brasilemfolhas.com.br · www.excelsior.com.mx · elnacional.com.py
- [● 4 SOURCES] The digital rights organization VE Sin Filtro confirmed that at least ten websites have resumed functioning across different providers. www.brasilemfolhas.com.br · orinocotribune.com · en.tempo.co · inmagazine.ig.com.br
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The organization reported that 84 communication outlets remain blocked in the country. www.brasilemfolhas.com.br
- [● 2 SOURCES] The head of the opposition delegation described the measure as a first step, calling for all missing outlets to be restored permanently. www.brasilemfolhas.com.br · en.tempo.co
- [● 10 SOURCES] Conatel announced the formal restoration of access to various national and international digital platforms and media outlets. observador.cr · www.brasilemfolhas.com.br · www.excelsior.com.mx · fr.news.yahoo.com · www.sudouest.fr · +5 more