President Nicolás Maduro of Venezuela has announced a 10-day block on access to the social network X in the country. This decision comes after accusing the owner, Elon Musk, of using the platform to promote hatred following Venezuela's disputed presidential election.
Reports indicate that posts on X stopped loading on two private telephone services and the state-owned Movilnet in Caracas. Maduro stated that Musk, as the owner of X, violated the social network's rules and incited hatred.
Maduro also alleged that X was being used by his opponents to create political unrest in Venezuela. The president revealed that a resolution was signed based on a proposal by CONATEL, the National Telecommunications Commission, to remove X from circulation for 10 days.
Despite requests for comment, X's press office did not immediately respond to inquiries regarding the situation.
The decision to block X follows a series of accusations between Maduro and Musk regarding the outcome of Venezuela's July 28 presidential election. While electoral authorities declared Maduro as the winner, the opposition claims their candidate, Edmundo González, secured the majority of votes.
Musk publicly criticized Maduro on X, accusing him of electoral fraud. In response, Maduro emphasized the need to 'regulate' social networks in Venezuela, citing threats made against his supporters and political allies on the platform.
Maduro's move to block X for 10 days reflects the escalating tensions surrounding the election results and the role of social media in shaping political discourse in Venezuela.
