The debate on ethics and the use of technology on social media continues in Cuba, as the government reinforces punitive measures under the so-called "gag laws".
According to recent statements, the Cuban regime warns that publications on social media deemed contrary to state guidelines may lead to confiscations and prison sentences, intensifying control over digital expression.
The program Hacemos Cuba, hosted by the official spokesperson Humberto López, continued this controversial discussion that has developed over the past few weeks.
In the space, the application of ethics to technology is analyzed, and regulations surrounding social media are examined, all within a context where the regime insists on the need to maintain an order that, according to its arguments, protects the security and stability of the country.
In fact, according to statements by David Wong Sio, an executive at the Ministry of Communications of Cuba, the regime can imprison, fine, and even confiscate the cell phone and other items used in the dissemination of data to sell them afterward.
This initiative is part of a broader strategy by the Cuban government to control the flow of digital information, which has raised concerns both nationally and internationally about the potential limitation of freedom of expression and the right to information.
The topic has gained prominence in state media. Recently, journalist Abdiel Bermúdez denounced in a segment of the National Television News (NTV) the publication of graphic images related to the accident in which singer Pablo Fernández Gallo (PabloFG) died.
Bermúdez pointed out that there should be a distinction between what is public and what is personal. “For some morbid reason, personal dramas and private hardships are coming to light with a frightening ease,” he noted; something he described as “rude, cruel, and insensitive behavior regarding the suffering of others.”
He stated that, although the internet and mobile phones are blamed for this growing practice, the decision to photograph, film, and share it with friends and strangers is actually a voluntary choice that turns the individual in question into part of what he described as a "yellow journalism wave."
The communicator cited examples of those macabre "news trophies," including the photos shared on social media in 2017 following the death of a young man who was a shark attack victim in Guardalavaca, as well as the videos from 2018 that showed painful images of the air accident that occurred in Havana.
A worker at Calixto García Hospital is expelled for leaking a video of Paulo FG after the accident
The regime expelled a technical specialist from the Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP) at the Calixto García Hospital in Havana for allegedly filming and sharing a video of the remains of singer Paulo FG.
The measure was taken after an investigation at the hospital, which determined that the worker, an electrocardiogram technician, was responsible for a recording made shortly after the death of the artist, who was the victim of a tragic accident on March 1st on the Malecón in Havana.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Gag Laws and Censorship in Cuba
What are the "gag laws" in Cuba?
The "gag laws" in Cuba are a set of regulations aimed at limiting freedom of expression on social media, punishing with confiscations and prison sentences any publications the government deems contrary to its guidelines. These laws are part of a strategy to control the flow of digital information and maintain state order.
How does Decree Law 35 affect freedom of expression in Cuba?
Decree Law 35 establishes severe restrictions on freedom of expression on the Internet in Cuba. It classifies the dissemination of "fake news" and messages that harm the country's reputation as cybersecurity incidents. Furthermore, it criminalizes calls for peaceful demonstrations, labeling them as "cyberterrorism," which significantly limits citizens' ability to express themselves freely.
What consequences can Cuban citizens face for posts on social media?
Cuban citizens may face the seizure of assets and prison sentences for social media posts that the government deems contrary to its guidelines. These measures aim to tighten control over digital expression and have raised concerns nationally and internationally over the potential restriction of freedom of information.
What is the Cuban government's stance on the dissemination of sensitive images on social media?
The Cuban government criticizes the spread of sensitive images on social media and has called for "educational punishments" for those who share such content. They argue that these practices violate privacy and the respect for others' pain, although opponents claim that these measures could be a form of censorship to control the official narrative.
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