The concept of network neutrality holds that Internet Service Providers, or ISPs, should serve as free-flowing gateways for information rather than as filters. But in politically polarized Venezuela, the socialist government is forcing ISPs to act as Internet policemen.
The following is a CPJ Blog post by John Otis, CPJ Andes Correspondent:
The concept of network neutrality holds that all Internet traffic should be treated equal and that Internet Service Providers, or ISPs, should serve as free-flowing gateways for information rather than as filters. But in politically polarized Venezuela, neutrality is an increasingly rare commodity and now ISPs are feeling the heat.
The socialist government of President Nicolás Maduro is forcing ISPs to act as Internet policemen. Through currency controls, the Maduro administration is also restricting their access to dollars, which ISPs require to upgrade services and keep abreast of technological changes. ISPs are not even allowed to raise their monthly fees to keep up with galloping inflation.
Read the full story on CPJ’s site.
