"Nobody uses that": Cubans react to toDus propaganda

The Cuban messaging platform toDus sought to highlight on social media several reasons why, according to its official Facebook profile, Cubans use the application, including access via national data for 25 Cuban pesos and the ability to send files without consuming international data.

In the post, toDus stated that it allows for video calls and voice calls, as well as sharing images, videos, and documents with a specific plan purchased through Transfermóvil, and invited users to download the application from Apklis.

However, most of the comments were marked by skepticism and criticism, along with claims that this app provides information to State Security.

Adrian L Montero stated that the app "was never preferred by young Cubans" and pointed out that when a platform needs to promote itself, it is because it does not have a high number of downloads.

Damián López Báez summarized his stance with a “I don’t use it,” while Tony Martinez wrote: “Nobody uses that.”

Concerns about privacy dominated many of the reactions. Yaneisy García remarked that Cubans do not use toDus because "the messages are not private."

Yamilys Bacallao stated that the government can spy on conversations, and Dagnet Hernández Núñez expressed that they love their privacy and therefore do not trust the application.

Axel R Marcell joked that the messages go "straight to the State Security department."

Others even questioned its current relevance. Yesenia Pastrana said she thought the app no longer existed, and Alejandro Torres Ramos commented that "neither the creator nor anyone else uses it."

Miguel Angel Valdés stated that, in reality, no one uses that application.

There were also some less critical voices. Ori Sarmiento Escalona recalled that in the past it was used because it consumed very little data, and Yoan HernandezHdez mentioned that he uses it, although he believed it needs to improve if it wants to compete with leaders like WhatsApp or WeChat.

Yasser Yoan Coello Sanchez argued that the main advantage is that the data is stored on national servers.

The overall reaction highlighted the distrust of many users towards the platform and the strong preference for international applications, in an environment where privacy and service quality are determining factors for Cubans.