Maduro Calls for Withdrawal from WhatsApp Amid Accusations of Threats to Venezuela

During a recent rally for the ruling United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV), President Nicolás Maduro urged party members to initiate a “progressive, voluntary, and radical withdrawal” from the popular messaging application WhatsApp. He announced plans to replace it with Telegram and the Chinese platform WeChat, citing concerns that WhatsApp is being used to threaten the nation. “I am going to break relations with WhatsApp... Say no to WhatsApp,” Maduro declared, emphasizing his commitment to removing the app from his phone permanently. WhatsApp, developed by Meta, is the most widely used messaging platform in Venezuela and across Latin America, serving not only for personal communication but also as a vital tool for businesses and government agencies, including Maduro's regime. The president has accused WhatsApp and other social media platforms, like TikTok, of spreading “hate and fascism” within Venezuelan society. Notably, despite his criticisms, Maduro has actively used TikTok to enhance his public image. Maduro's administration has intensified its crackdown on dissent, claiming to have arrested over 2,000 individuals amid allegations of violence against PSUV members. Human rights organizations, however, report at least 23 confirmed deaths, including minors. The regime has also announced the establishment of “re-education centers” for dissidents, further raising concerns about human rights violations. Without providing evidence, Maduro alleged that WhatsApp users from other countries are coordinating attacks against Venezuelan social leaders and supporters of his government. He claimed that the platform has shared user information with “terrorists,” intensifying his call for censorship of social media in Venezuela.