Amid the growing public rejection of the rate hike imposed by the state-owned ETECSA and the persistent calls from the government to use national platforms to "save data," exiled Cuban activist Magdiel Jorge Castro posed a question that many are silently contemplating: Would toDus provide private information about its users if demanded by State Security?
The controversy ignited on the social media platform X when Castro publicly confronted the Cuban messaging service with the following message: “Until State Security decides to ask you about a specific user and their messages... will you refuse? Will you deny State Security access to the database? I patiently await your response.”
To the surprise of many, the official account of the toDus group responded with a statement that leaves no room for doubt: "Any country can request access to any platform if it affects its national security; I see no problem with that. Besides being Cuban, it is subject to Cuban laws. But I still ask: Who has been spied on and what have they been spied on?”
The public and cynical admission of toDus did not go unanswered. The activist replied on X: “In any country, people are not investigated for thinking differently or declaring themselves in opposition… but in Cuba, they are.”
He added, “Tomorrow the G2 will come with the name of an opposition member wanting to know their private messages, and you will give them access... It's that simple, they are not trustworthy.”
Her statement once again brought to the forefront the lack of trust in the technology platforms controlled by the Cuban government.
Castro closed the controversy with a direct warning to users: “Beware of toDus… your private data will be well protected until the regime decides to ask the administrators of this platform for it. It’s that simple… they don’t spy on you until they choose to do so.”
His powerful message encapsulates the shared fear of many in Cuba: that the supposed digital sovereignty is nothing more than an extension of the state control apparatus.
Various warnings regarding the toDus application have raised concerns about its true function, beyond being just a simple messaging tool.
Users and activists have pointed out that installing it is equivalent to allowing the Cuban state surveillance apparatus to infiltrate the personal devices of citizens.
Although the platform is presented as a national solution for communicating without relying on foreign services, multiple analyses suggest it could function as a control tool disguised as sovereign technology.
In this scenario, the state-owned ETECSA not only supports the application but also promotes it as a preferred means of communication within the country, highlighting what everyone knows: the company serves as a repressive tool of the regime.
This type of maneuver aligns with a reality that the regime itself has not concealed. In previous remarks, the Cuban leader acknowledged that a system of state surveillance exists in Cuba. Such an admission confirms that surveillance is not merely speculation, but a policy in practice, which now finds a new means of implementation through government-controlled technological platforms.
Frequently Asked Questions about the toDus Application and its Implications for User Privacy
Will toDus provide user data to the Cuban government if requested?
Yes, toDus publicly admitted that it will provide information about its users if the Cuban government requests it. The company stated that, like any other platform subject to the laws of its country, it could allow access to its data if a national security threat is alleged. This has raised concerns about user privacy in Cuba.
Why is toDus considered a tool for surveillance by the Cuban State?
The toDus application is seen by many as a surveillance tool because its communications can be stored on the servers of the Cuban state, potentially allowing access to user activity. Although toDus promises data security, the lack of transparency and the possibility of government access to this information have raised suspicions about its true purpose.
How has the Cuban population reacted to ETECSA's promotion of toDus?
The Cuban population has reacted with skepticism and concern to the promotion of toDus as a low-cost alternative. Many users and activists fear that the application may be used as another means of state control, especially in a context where internet access is expensive and limited, and where government decisions have led to growing discontent.
What measures has ETECSA taken regarding internet rates and the use of toDus?
ETECSA has promoted the use of toDus as part of its strategy to reduce costs for internet access, offering free messaging and more affordable data packages. However, these measures have been seen as insufficient and as a way to force users to utilize government-controlled platforms, which has increased criticism towards the state-owned company.
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