Amid an ongoing crusade against social media, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has accused TikTok, owned by Chinese entrepreneur Zhang Yiming, of inciting a civil war in Venezuela. These accusations against the microvideo platform's owners come as the international community questions Maduro's victory in the July 28 elections, and Venezuelans have taken to the streets to challenge the official vote count.
Maduro has also ordered the blocking of other social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and previously urged Venezuelans to delete WhatsApp, platforms through which the population remains informed amid widespread censorship in Venezuela. "Look at how immoral TikTok is. I accuse the global directors and owners of TikTok of wanting a civil war in Venezuela, of supporting fascism in Latin America and the world," Maduro said during a meeting with top state officials.
Additionally, the Chavista dictator criticized the platform for suspending his ability to livestream after a broadcast that featured Attorney General Tarek William Saab discussing violence related to the election protests, which have resulted in 25 deaths and over 2,400 detentions, according to state sources. In response, Maduro ordered a 10-day suspension of TikTok in Venezuela. "The acts of violence come from you. All those videos are from TikTok," he said, justifying his decision.
Maduro accused the social network of live-streaming violent acts during the peak of protests against his electoral victory, including assaults on public facilities, which the dictator attributed to the main opposition coalition. Last week, Maduro ordered the blocking of the social network X for ten days in Venezuela and accused its owner, Elon Musk, of participating in a "cyber coup" against him. Just as he did with TikTok, he justified the censorship by arguing that the platform is used to sow violence and hatred from abroad.
The decision, announced this Thursday, aims to compel the company, owned by Musk, to present "requirements" to Venezuelan authorities. Maduro made these statements during a political event where he once again lashed out at the South African-born magnate.
Allegations of electoral fraud orchestrated by the Chavista regime are worsening due to delays by the National Electoral Council (CNE) in publishing official results, leading to international criticism. The Democratic Unity Platform (PUD), the main opposition alliance, has released 83.5% of the electoral records, which would confirm that opposition candidate Edmundo González Urrutia is the legitimate winner of the elections by more than 30 points.
FAQs on Nicolás Maduro's Accusations Against TikTok
In light of Nicolás Maduro's recent allegations against TikTok and other social media platforms, here are some frequently asked questions to provide more context and understanding.
Why did Nicolás Maduro accuse TikTok of inciting a civil war in Venezuela?
Maduro accused TikTok of promoting civil unrest as part of his broader campaign against social media platforms, which he claims are used to spread violence and hatred from abroad.
What other social media platforms has Maduro targeted?
Maduro has also targeted X (formerly Twitter) and WhatsApp, urging Venezuelans to delete these apps and blocking them for periods of time.
What are the consequences of Maduro's actions against social media?
Maduro's actions have led to widespread censorship, limiting the ways in which Venezuelans can stay informed and communicate, and have drawn international criticism.
Who is Edmundo González Urrutia?
Edmundo González Urrutia is the opposition candidate who, according to the Democratic Unity Platform, is the legitimate winner of the recent elections in Venezuela.