- Title: Independent media in Cuba seeks to fill information gap amid protests
- Date: 17th July 2021
- Summary: HAVANA, CUBA (RECENT - JULY 11, 2021) (REUTERS) PROTESTERS CHANTING: (Spanish) "FREEDOM" PROTESTERS NEAR POLICE OFFICERS PROTESTERS CHANTING: (Spanish) "FREEDOM"
- Embargoed: 31st July 2021 14:55
- Keywords: Cuba Havana media news press
- Location: HAVANA, CUBA
- City: HAVANA, CUBA
- Country: Cuba
- Topics: South America / Central America,Government/Politics
- Reuters ID: LVA001EM8ABEV
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: Online independent media has emerged as a key factor in recent protests in Cuba, with citizens increasingly turning to the web for information outside of the traditional state press.
The introduction of mobile internet just over two years ago and the subsequent flourishing of social media and independent news outlets in Cuba has been a key factor behind the protests.
"El Toque" is one of Cuba's most read digital news sources, reporting on the factors that fuelled Sunday's (July 11) protest against the government and providing alternative coverage to state-sanctioned media.
These tools have given Cubans a platform to share and amplify their frustrations and enabled the word to get out quickly when people are on the street, analysts say.
But Cuba's government, which has long had a monopoly on mass media, has warned citizens against believing news and images shared on social media that may have been manipulated.
Early reports of protests on Sunday were also followed swiftly by internet outages and restrictions on social media and messaging platforms.
(Production: Nelson Gonzalez, Anett Rios, Nina Lopez, Paul Vieira) - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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