Cuba Accused of Using Chinese Tech Systems to Block Internet Access Amid Protests

Cuba is accused of having adopted China-made technology systems to control and block internet access, amid reports that messaging apps and Cubans' internet service are being blocked in the communist-ruled country after thousands of citizens took to the streets on Sunday to protest against a lack of freedoms and worsening economic conditions.

Later in the day, he wrote, "I warned about this earlier today. It is happening and will continue," adding, "By the way, they use a system made, sold & installed by #China to control and block access to the internet in #Cuba." The ruling party in China is also a communist dictatorship.

The Open Observatory of Network Interference, a global internet censorship watchdog, reported late Monday that Cuba had begun blocking WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal messaging apps amid the protests.

Internet access has been limited and is expensive in Cuba.

Cubans were also given full mobile internet access in December 2018 via state telecom company ETECSA-the only company that provides internet access.

The Institute for War and Peace in December 2020 reported that ETECSA's primary technology providers are three Chinese companies-Huawei, TP-Link, and ZTE. OONI reported in 2017 that Chinese telecom giant Huawei was "Found to be supporting Cuba's internet infrastructure."

"While it is clear that Cuba is using Huawei's access points, it remains unclear whether and to what extent the company is actually implementing internet censorship in the country."

https://www.ntd.com/cuba-accused-of-using-chinese-tech-systems-to-block-internet-access-amid-protests_642194.html