Laritza Diversent, Translator: Unstated
In Cuba, access to the internet is restricted and very expensive for
citizens, but it is also controlled by state institutions. According to
the government, the restrictions on individuals are due to the embargo,
which limits the conditions and quality of the connection.
In Cuba, Decree 209 of 1996, "Access from the Republic of Cuba to
Information Networks of Global Reach," created an Interministerial
Commission charged with authorizing the direct internet connection and
decreed selective access to it.
The body is presided over by the Minister of Informatics and
Communication, and composed of the heads of Science, Technology and the
Environment, of Justice, of the Interior, and the Revolutionary Armed
Forces. These latter two regulate access to the internet to reconcile it
with defense and national security.
In March of 2010 the United States permitted the exporting of internet
programs that allow online conversations and access to social networks.
The decision granted exemptions under existing sanctions to companies
such as Google Inc. and Microsoft Corp. to offer services to Iran, Sudan
and Cuba as a form of assistance to their citizens to be able to
communicate with the outside world.
The Cuban government claimed that the measure did not weaken the
embargo, but was a "subversive" and "destabilizing" plan to overthrow
the socialist system. In Decree 209 it was made clear that information
networks of global reach are a danger to State Security.
The Commission, as the Council of Ministers recorded in the rule, will
guarantee that the information disseminated is accurate, and that it is
obtained in line with ethical principles, and that it does not affect
the interests or security of the state. In consequence the connection to
a national internal network (intranet) is prioritized, that guarantees
absolute control of information and minimizes the direct use of network
of networks.
Alan Gross, an American subcontractor, was tried in Havana for intending
to contribute to the "free flow of information among and between the
Cuban people." Little did he imagine that the Cuban government would
feel threatened, when he tried to bring satellite connection equipment
to the Jewish community in Cuba.
After fourteen months of confinement, his good intentions were
interpreted by the island's government as an act against "the
independence and territorial integrity of the State." Just afterwards,
social networks such as Facebook and Twitter were used to organize
protests that ended in the downfall of the leaders of Egypt and Tunisia.
It does not appear rational that communication satellite equipment could
affect the sovereignty of the island, unless the Cuban government
considers Internet a mortal threat.
April 4 2011
No comments:
Post a Comment