Venezuela Must End Tech-Enabled Repression, Say 100+ In Open Letter
Over 100 scholars, advocates, and human rights organizations have signed an urgent open letter demanding the Venezuelan government cease its technological repression and ensure unfettered access to the internet.
This call to action comes amidst escalating political violence following the South American country’s controversial presidential elections on July 28.
The open letter’s signatories include the Center on Race & Digital Justice, Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights, the Distributed AI Research Institute (DAIR) and its founder Timnit Gebru.
Escalation of Surveillance Post-Elections
In the wake of the recent elections, Venezuela has experienced a surge in state-sanctioned surveillance and censorship.
The government, led by President Nicolás Maduro, has employed advanced technology to monitor and suppress political dissent.
Tools like the VenApp, used for reporting dissenting activities, and extensive use of video surveillance and patrolling drones, have intensified public fear and control.
Reports indicate that these measures have led to the detention of over 2,000 people, with at least 20 deaths and 25 disappearances in recent protests.
The letter highlights the surveillance network developed over the past two decades, integrating digital tools with physical enforcement to stifle opposition. This includes systematic harassment, the decline of communication infrastructure, and the closure of independent news outlets.
Digital Authoritarianism and Global Implications
According to the letter, Maduro’s administration has integrated surveillance technologies into its governance, exacerbating the country’s human rights abuses.
The open letter urges international bodies, including the Organization of American States (OAS) and the United Nations, to condemn Venezuela’s use of technology for political persecution.
It calls on these entities to pressure the Maduro government to adhere to international laws protecting freedom of expression and access to information.
Feature Image Credit: LDV Capital
