Past

National shutdown

Twitter, Whatsapp, Facebook, YouTube

Authorities in Cuba disrupted messaging and streaming apps over four days at the end of 2020 during a rare protest over citizens' rights. Internet shutdowns during protests or civil unrest impact the ability of citizens to get accurate information from government sources when they need it most. It also becomes harder for citizens to contact family members and friends in other parts of the country, or in other countries. While the Internet has been available in Cuba for several years, access is controlled by the government, which blocks access to certain websites and requires permits for connections to private homes or businesses. The high cost of fixed line access was prohibitive for most citizens until 2018, when relatively affordable mobile Internet plans became available, opening up access – albeit censored – to millions of people.    

  • Total Duration 3 days

Flag of Cuba Cuba

Population
11,019,931
UN Classification
  • Small Island Developing State

Freedom House rates Internet freedom as Not Free

View full country profile for Cuba

Local impact

Authorities in Cuba disrupted messaging and streaming apps over four days at the end of 2020 during a rare protest over citizens' rights. Internet shutdowns during protests or civil unrest impact the ability of citizens to get accurate information from government sources when they need it most. It also becomes harder for citizens to contact family members and friends in other parts of the country, or in other countries. While the Internet has been available in Cuba for several years, access is controlled by the government, which blocks access to certain websites and requires permits for connections to private homes or businesses. The high cost of fixed line access was prohibitive for most citizens until 2018, when relatively affordable mobile Internet plans became available, opening up access – albeit censored – to millions of people.    

Other supporting information

It’s difficult to measure the effect of local/regional Internet shutdowns as most measurements are done at a country level.