Underground Internet Networks In Cuba

Internet access is extremely limited in Cuba. Strict regulations make it very difficult for citizens to get online. Unauthorized satellite dishes are routinely torn down and content is heavily filtered. The rare internet cafes are expensive and under the close watch of the government.

Things are changing though. Informal networks have sprung up composed of a rag tag mix of technology. Criticism of the state is circulated through illegal internet connections and by a hand to hand web of flash drives.

There is hope that this movement will gain momentum and instigate real change for the better. It’s predicted that the 10,000 students at the University of Information Sciences will be key in opening channels of censored information.

The New York Times reports:

Last month, students at a prestigious computer science university videotaped an ugly confrontation they had with Ricardo Alarcón, the president of the National Assembly.

Mr. Alarcón seemed flummoxed when students grilled him on why they could not travel abroad, stay at hotels, earn better wages or use search engines like Google. The video spread like wildfire through Havana, passed from person to person, and seriously damaged Mr. Alarcón’s reputation in some circles.

…“This is going to get out of the government’s hands because the technology is moving so rapidly.”

Cyber-Rebels in Cuba Defy State’s Limits – New York Times