Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel has unveiled a new technological initiative called the "Citizen Portal", aimed at simplifying and digitizing administrative procedures. This move is part of his government's efforts to advance the country's digital transformation.
"I want to introduce the Cuban Citizen Portal. It will be a platform where people can create their profiles and access a multitude of services without having to go through offices or waste paper. It will make life much more manageable," Díaz-Canel stated in an interview with Spanish journalist Ignacio Ramonet.
The proposed portal will centralize services currently available across various platforms of government bodies and institutions. According to Díaz-Canel, it will offer access to a wide range of useful information for citizens.
The platform will guide users through the steps to process documents, legal procedures, and administrative processes on specific issues of interest. Díaz-Canel emphasized that the Cuban Citizen Portal would come with strong cybersecurity measures to ensure personal data protection and platform integrity.
"We are supporting this digital transformation and the use of artificial intelligence with robust cybersecurity development to prevent cyber attacks and ensure security across all platforms," Díaz-Canel highlighted.
The Cuban government aims to modernize public administration and make it easier for citizens to interact with the state, promoting "greater efficiency and transparency in governmental processes."
However, a significant portion of the Cuban population lacks the technical resources to access such platforms and the knowledge to navigate them successfully. Many citizens do not own mobile phones or use outdated models. Few people have computers with internet connections at home. These issues are compounded by the extremely slow online navigation and frequent power outages that leave people without access to communications for extended periods.
In April, the Empresa de Tecnologías de la Información para la Defensa (Xetid) launched a platform that allows individuals and legal entities to process digital documentation with legal validity in Cuban territory online.
Understanding the "Citizen Portal" Initiative in Cuba
Below are some frequently asked questions and answers about the newly introduced "Citizen Portal" by Miguel Díaz-Canel, aimed at improving administrative processes in Cuba.
What is the purpose of the Citizen Portal?
The Citizen Portal aims to simplify and digitize administrative procedures, making it easier for Cuban citizens to access various services without needing to visit offices physically.
How will the Citizen Portal ensure data security?
The platform will incorporate robust cybersecurity measures to protect personal data and maintain the integrity of the portal, preventing cyber attacks.
What challenges might citizens face in accessing the Citizen Portal?
Many Cubans lack the technical resources, such as modern mobile phones or internet-connected computers, and face issues like slow internet speeds and frequent power outages.