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
Cuba
- Population
- 11,019,931
- UN Classification
-
- Small Island Developing State
Freedom House rates Internet freedom as Not Free
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.