Related videos:
Twelve governments, including those of Cuba, Russia, Iran, Venezuela, North Korea, and Nicaragua, recently supported the adoption of a UN convention against cybercrime, seizing the opportunity to call for digital governance centered on "state sovereignty" and distancing itself from "foreign interference."
In a joint statement released last Wednesday by their diplomatic missions at the UN, these countries —not exactly renowned for their information transparency or digital freedom— celebrated the approval of the new International Convention on Cybercrime, driven by Russia and negotiated under the presidency of Algeria, reported the official newspaper Granma.
According to the signatories, this is an "unprecedented universal agreement" aimed at combating the use of cyberspace for criminal purposes.
However, among the most prominent topics, fighting hackers or online scams was not mentioned; rather, the urgency to curb what they call "foreign digital interference" took center stage.
The shared vision of Havana, Moscow, and Tehran emphasizes a cyber governance based on respect for sovereignty, the rejection of control over networks by "powers with unilateral rules," and the demand that private actors—such as major tech companies—do not hold power over what occurs on the internet.
The document implicitly criticizes the use of technologies "for purposes inconsistent with peace," such as promoting protests, providing free internet access through satellite networks, or supporting activists in authoritarian regimes.
Although they do not say it openly, the message is directed against projects like Starlink, which have allowed access to unfiltered information in places like Ukraine, Iran, or Cuba.
The convention, which will be opened for signatures in 2025 in Hanoi, proposes new legal frameworks for judicial cooperation in cybercrime, including the exchange of electronic evidence.
However, there is a risk that such agreements, depending on the domestic legislation of each country, could be used not only to combat cybercrime but also to suppress dissent or censor uncomfortable content under the pretext of cybersecurity.
Among the most striking proposals in the text is the creation of a Permanent ICT Security Mechanism under the auspices of the UN, which would replace the current multilateral working group. The intention is to establish a "stable institutional framework" that ensures cybersecurity issues are addressed through multilateralism, rather than through the "technological impositions of the Global North."
The declaration was signed by the governments of Russia, Cuba, Venezuela, Iran, North Korea, Nicaragua, Belarus, Egypt, Iraq, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, and Burkina Faso.
All of them have been pointed out at different times for restricting free access to the internet, monitoring their citizens, or exercising systematic digital censorship.
A Latin American diplomat, quoted anonymously, summarized it straightforwardly: "This convention allows us to regain control from a sovereign and multilateral perspective."
The type of control, of course, will depend on the political landscape of each signatory.
Moscow uses Cuba as a digital springboard to Latin America
In January, an investigation published by the independent portal YucaByte, titled "Russia Uses Cuba as a Strategic Bridge to Expand Its Technological Influence in Latin America," revealed how the Kremlin has intensified its digital presence in the region through a strategic alliance with the Cuban regime.
The report details how the Island not only serves as a recipient of Russian technologies but also as a channel for penetrating other markets on the continent.
The research focused on the presentation of the Russia-Cuba Platform during the Havana International Fair (FIHAV-2024), a project aimed at implementing digital technologies on the Island and, from there, facilitating their expansion into Latin America.
This approach, according to the sources used by YucaByte, encompasses everything from cybersecurity solutions and digital education to fintech tools, with a distinct geopolitical component.
According to executives from GenIT, a Russian software firm mentioned in the report, Cuba represents an ideal environment for this strategy due to its political closeness to Moscow, its history of bilateral collaboration, and its growing need for basic technological solutions.
Moreover, it was highlighted that the low demand for specialized human capital and the willingness of the Cuban government to operate outside the restrictions imposed by the West facilitate the implementation of the model.
The alliance extends beyond the commercial or academic sphere. The Ministry of Communications of Cuba even proposed the creation of a National Cybersecurity Center with Russian support, as well as the incorporation of Cuban institutions such as CUJAE and UCI into development networks in artificial intelligence promoted by the BRICS+.
This close technological connection strengthens the role of the Island as a key piece in the Kremlin's digital architecture in the region.
The report also emphasizes that the model proposed by Russia could create new forms of digital dependence for Cuba, while raising questions about how the regime might utilize advanced tools for surveillance, data storage, and censorship.
Although presented as modernization measures, many of these technologies have the potential to reinforce state control over information and online civic activity.
Finally, the analysis by YucaByte connects this new stage of cooperation with historical precedents, such as the former Soviet spy base in Lourdes, and notes that Russian influence in the field of cybersecurity is not new.
The novelty lies in the digital dimension of control and how the Island, besieged by crisis and sanctions, has once again become a strategic enclave for Moscow's geopolitical interests.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Cybersecurity Agreement between Cuba and its Allies
What is the main objective of the cybersecurity agreement signed by Cuba and other countries?
The agreement aims to combat the use of cyberspace for criminal purposes, but it also focuses on demanding digital governance that respects state sovereignty and opposes foreign digital interference.
How does this agreement affect freedom of expression and access to the internet in Cuba?
This type of agreement could be used by the Cuban government to repress dissent or censor uncomfortable content under the pretext of cybersecurity, further restricting free expression and access to the internet.
Which countries have signed the cybersecurity agreement along with Cuba?
The agreement was signed by Russia, Iran, Venezuela, North Korea, Nicaragua, among others, all of whom are known for their lack of transparency and restrictions on digital freedom.
What role does Russia play in Cuba's cybersecurity strategy?
Russia uses Cuba as a digital springboard to Latin America, facilitating the implementation of digital technologies and expanding its influence in the region through technological cooperation and cybersecurity.
Why is the use of Starlink in Cuba controversial?
The use of Starlink is considered illegal by the Cuban government as it allows access to the internet without state control, which poses a threat to ETECSA's monopoly and governmental censorship, according to Cuban authorities.
Filed under: