The Venezuelan Vice President Elías Jaua has asked his country's government to pass a law that would allow regulation of the internet and create one central access point for all distribution of the internet.
"The bill also proposes allowing the government to restrict access to websites if they are found to be distributing messages or information that incite violence against the president. Chavez frequently accuses the opposition of plotting to kill him," Reuters Canada reported.
Media freedoms groups claim Chavez has forced an opposition TV station off the air and taken away the licenses of dozens of radio stations, Reuters Canada reported.
"The government says Venezuela's elite uses the media to undermine Chavez and considers its own one-sided reporting of news as a legitimate response in a communications 'war'.
Opposition politicians have previously warned that Chavez intends to copy web restrictions favored by his ally Cuba, especially on social networks such as Twitter which are hugely popular with critics of the president."
China's blocking of internet and media coming in to its country may have been another influence. Another interesting fact is Chavez has over one million followers on Twitter.
Marketers Rejoice! ClickZ has launched ClickZ Live, an educational series to bring you innovative online marketing strategies and techniques. Learn to construct and successfully execute multi-channel marketing campaigns, plus identify key metrics and translate them into actionable plans.
Thursday, July 18: ClickZ Live will be in Vancouver, BC. Register before July 1 to save $100!
