The Spanish Carlos González Penalva, a social media expert, recommended that the Cuban regime further strengthen its control over the Internet.
Penalva, who self-defines as a "stoic communist and philosophical rationalist," was interviewed by Canal Caribe on the program Buenos Días, for an informative segment titled "Media War Against Cuba on Social Media."
During his intervention, he presented three essential ideas. First, he indicated that the state's involvement regarding the flow of information on social media should focus on segments susceptible to consuming content that could be potentially harmful to the government, meaning the population that feels discontented.
In their opinion, it makes no sense to act directly against the sources of the message, as dismantling one group in Florida would result in another emerging with the same content in Spain or any other region of the world, because there are those who consume that "harmful" information product.
As a second point, Penalva suggested the need to create stricter regulatory frameworks for interaction on social media.
In this regard, Cuba has already made progress with regulations that limit people's freedom of expression. The regime's measures involve imposing fines and prison sentences on citizens for expressing political opinions in the digital realm.
In his third statement, Penalva asserted that the world is in a "global context of conflict," where disinformation campaigns aimed at destabilizing countries and economies are becoming increasingly common.
His speech aligns with that of the Cuban regime, even using very similar terminology. He insisted that the alleged misinformation campaigns against Cuba are part of an unconventional media war, which can create gray areas in communication and lead from peace to an escalation of tensions and immediate armed conflicts.
"It's not just about disinformation, which is not a new phenomenon, but about warfare and a profound strategy that seeks to alter, through the revolution of communication technologies, the perception of political and social reality and to manipulate emotions with the aim of subverting the institutions and society of Cuba," said the communist communicator on his profile on X.
Penalva did not address the crisis of the media in Cuba during his speech, nor the repression faced by citizens on the island who hold political views contrary to the regime, nor the lack of press and expression freedom that has persisted in the country for more than six decades.
Decree Law 35 and the restriction of freedom of expression in Cuba
In 2021, following the massive protests of July 11th, the Cuban government published in the Official Gazette of the Republic the Decree Law 35, which imposed severe restrictions on freedom of expression online.
Under this regulation, actions such as the dissemination of "fake news," offensive messages, or any content that affects the country's reputation, including cybersecurity incidents, were classified.
It also began to regard the publication of all types of data that, according to the authorities, threaten the constitutional, social, and economic principles of the State as "harmful dissemination." Additionally, it criminalized calls for peaceful demonstrations and protests, categorizing them as "cyberterrorism."
The Decree Law 35, along with other complementary resolutions, establishes that the Cuban state is the owner of public telecommunications services and has the authority to regulate, control, and oversee all services and networks in the country.
A legal framework for the absolute control of the Internet
In 2023, the Cuban Parliament unanimously approved the controversial Social Communication Law which further restricts press freedom in Cuba. The regulation controls the content of the media and has been heavily criticized by non-governmental organizations and independent press.
Miguel Díaz-Canel characterized the law as a "first step" toward controlling the communication system in Cuba and prohibits, among other things, the dissemination of information that could "destabilize the socialist State."
This law only permits the existence of media linked to the State or the Communist Party. It does not guarantee freedom of the press nor does it allow the dissemination of independent content outside the official narrative.
Frequently Asked Questions about Internet Control and Freedom of Expression in Cuba
What does Carlos Penalva recommend to the Cuban regime regarding internet control?
Carlos Penalva recommends that the Cuban regime further strengthen its control over the Internet. This includes establishing stricter regulatory frameworks for social media interaction, aimed at limiting the spread of content deemed harmful to the Cuban government.
What impact does Decree Law 35 have on freedom of expression in Cuba?
Decree Law 35 in Cuba imposes severe restrictions on freedom of expression on the internet. It classifies the dissemination of "false news" and offensive messages as crimes, even criminalizing calls for peaceful protests, which significantly limits citizens' ability to express themselves freely on digital platforms.
How does the Law of Social Communication affect the press in Cuba?
The Social Communication Law in Cuba severely restricts press freedom. This law controls the content of the media, allowing only the existence of state or Communist Party-affiliated outlets, and prohibits the dissemination of information that could "destabilize the socialist state."
What justification does the Cuban regime use to control information on the Internet?
The Cuban regime justifies the control of information on the Internet as a defense against misinformation campaigns. According to the official narrative, these campaigns are part of a "media war" against Cuba, aimed at destabilizing the country and its economic system, thereby justifying the restrictions imposed on freedom of expression.
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