"Maduro attacks social media as protests and discontent grow in Venezuela."

In a context of growing tension and social discontent, Nicolás Maduro has launched a new attack against social media, labeling platforms like TikTok and Instagram as "multipliers of hate" in Venezuela. During a televised event, the Venezuelan president expressed his concerns about the lack of regulation in the use of these platforms, which he claims promote misinformation and polarization among Venezuelans. This statement comes amid protests that have erupted following the election results, which Maduro asserts he won, although the opposition and much of the international community question the legitimacy of these elections. Taking advantage of the crisis scenario, Maduro requested recommendations from the Defense Council and the Security Council on how to regulate the use of social media in the country. According to his view, these platforms have been used to create an atmosphere of hate and division, an argument that resonates with his narrative of victimization in the face of a purported imperialist attack. "The main conscious instruments that multiply hate and fascism are TikTok and Instagram," he stated, diverting attention from other issues plaguing the nation, such as the economic crisis and the shortage of basic services. The president's accusations are not new, as he has long pointed to various digital platforms as accomplices of the opposition. However, his recent statement marks an attempt to focus attention on the narrative of a "cyber war" instead of addressing the social demands of the populace. The use of terms like "cyber-fascist" and "North American imperialism" reflects his strategy to delegitimize criticism and maintain a discourse of unity around the image of Chavismo. Amid these tensions, protests have gained prominence, resulting in 2,000 arrests and the loss of lives among both civilians and military personnel. NGOs have documented at least 11 civilian deaths, underscoring the severity of the government's repression in the face of dissent. Despite Maduro's warnings about the unity of the Bolivarian National Armed Forces (FANB), many wonder if this cohesion is genuinely representative or merely a facade to hide the cracks in support for the regime. On the other hand, the use of social media as tools for mobilization and communication in crisis contexts has become increasingly evident globally. By accusing these platforms of being the root of evil, Maduro seems to ignore the role they have played in organizing protests and disseminating alternative information to the official narrative. The government's reaction, rather than fostering dialogue, could be encouraging greater use of these tools by those seeking to express their discontent. The mention of a "cyber-fascist attack" against the National Electoral Council's computer system also draws attention. The use of this term suggests a government strategy to justify repression and reinforce the narrative that it is under attack from external forces. However, this may divert focus from the internal problems facing Venezuela, such as the humanitarian crisis and the collapse of essential services, which are the true drivers of popular discontent. In this landscape, it is crucial to observe who the figures are that support Maduro's regime. At its core are figures like Diosdado Cabello, one of the most influential men in Chavismo, as well as other high-ranking military officials who have shown loyalty to the president. This group has maintained its position despite economic and social pressures, raising questions about the regime's stability in the future. The fact that this rhetoric intensifies amid massive protests suggests that the government seeks not only to control the narrative but also to quell the fear and distrust circulating among security forces and the population. The delegitimization of social media is, in this sense, an attempt to undermine the mobilization power these platforms offer to the opposition, although such a strategy could be counterproductive. The challenge Maduro faces is monumental, and his vision of a cohesive country under the banner of Chavismo stands at a crossroads. The growing dissatisfaction among citizens, fueled by the economic and social crisis, and an opposition seeking to capitalize on any crack to unite forces, are factors that further complicate his hold on power. This situation highlights the complexity of the political landscape in Venezuela, where the struggle for power and legitimacy is fought not only in the streets but also in the digital realm. The government's response to this phenomenon could define the next chapter in the tumultuous political history of the country.