Internet access in Cuba

[Rakshas]

Someone just told me that Fidel castro and his government has clamped down on the rights of Cubans, to access information on the internet, non-Cuban websites are blocked and e-mail scanned and attachments are deleted before being delivered to the intended recipient. The unrestricted access is only available to high profile bureaucrats and technocrats and that bootlegged internet connections are rampant, as a result of the clamp down.

Does this claim have any weight? Can it be taken seriously? Please comment.

[Severian]

No, it's wholly false, and has been refuted in the past on this board..

In this thread for example. (http://www.revolutionaryleft.com/index.php?showtopic=35695&st=40) See my post of May 27 2005, 02:19 AM

Also Companero de Libertad posted at Jun 2 2005, 04:39 PM:
On Internet Usage in Cuba: As I've brought up before on other threads, I speak to a few comrades from Cuba on messanger almost daily, so there is internet access available. As Sevarian brought up, many 'Internet Access Points' are limited to accessing information which is relevant to their purpose (oh the inhumanity!) -- other than that, the Cuban Government doesn't censor many, if in fact any, sites from the access of the Cuban People. (When I asked a Cuban friend she said she knows of no sites that she can't visit, no 'access denied' message has ever appeared on any computer she's used in Cuba.)

See also (http://www.revolutionaryleft.com/index.php?act=ST&f=4&t=38187)

[FULL METAL JACKET]

Originally posted by [email protected] 11 2006, 05:20 AM
No, it's wholly false, and has been refuted in the past on this board..

In this thread for example. (http://www.revolutionaryleft.com/index.php?showtopic=35695&st=40) See my post of May 27 2005, 02:19 AM

Also Companero de Libertad posted at Jun 2 2005, 04:39 PM:
On Internet Usage in Cuba: As I've brought up before on other threads, I speak to a few comrades from Cuba on messanger almost daily, so there is internet access available. As Sevarian brought up, many 'Internet Access Points' are limited to accessing information which is relevant to their purpose (oh the inhumanity!) -- other than that, the Cuban Government doesn't censor many, if in fact any, sites from the access of the Cuban People. (When I asked a Cuban friend she said she knows of no sites that she can't visit, no 'access denied' message has ever appeared on any computer she's used in Cuba.)

See also (http://www.revolutionaryleft.com/index.php?act=ST&f=4&t=38187)
Internet access is allowed but you do need government permission to do so. Also if you want to buy computer equipment you need government permission as well.

[BuyOurEverything]

When I was there, I met a computer tech (not rich or a government member at all) at a bar and he took me to his office and showed me around. I used the internet there no problem, with no sites that I tried blocked. There was also a class going on of kids, who all had full internet access. There may not be a huge supply of computers there, but I can say first hand that these claims are bullshit.

[FULL METAL JACKET]

Originally posted by [email protected] 11 2006, 02:46 PM
When I was there, I met a computer tech (not rich or a government member at all) at a bar and he took me to his office and showed me around. I used the internet there no problem, with no sites that I tried blocked. There was also a class going on of kids, who all had full internet access. There may not be a huge supply of computers there, but I can say first hand that these claims are bullshit.
Yet I know first hand of friends in Cuba who use underground networks to get online from their homes.

[Severian]

Originally posted by FULL METAL [email protected] 11 2006, 10:33 AM

Internet access is allowed but you do need government permission to do so. Also if you want to buy computer equipment you need government permission as well.
Since it's not a capitalist economy, you need government permission for most major economic transactions, yes. And the government is the only ISP, since there aren't private businesses in Cuba, etc.

[FULL METAL JACKET]

Originally posted by Severian+Mar 11 2006, 09:22 PM--> (Severian @ Mar 11 2006, 09:22 PM)
FULL METAL [email protected] 11 2006, 10:33 AM

Internet access is allowed but you do need government permission to do so. Also if you want to buy computer equipment you need government permission as well.
Since it's not a capitalist economy, you need government permission for most major economic transactions, yes. And the government is the only ISP, since there aren't private businesses in Cuba, etc. [/b]
Exactly. They use "intranet." It's what coporations use for their employees.

[Knowledge 6 6 6]

So Castro bans stripclubs, but by this logic Cubans are free to access internet porn?

Great logic.

[Nothing Human Is Alien]

Um, the porn isn't made in Cuba, thus no Cubans are being exploited. It's perfect logic.

[Severian]

Originally posted by FULL METAL JACKET+Mar 11 2006, 08:40 PM--> (FULL METAL JACKET @ Mar 11 2006, 08:40 PM)
Originally posted by [email protected] 11 2006, 09:22 PM

FULL METAL [email protected] 11 2006, 10:33 AM

Internet access is allowed but you do need government permission to do so. Also if you want to buy computer equipment you need government permission as well.
Since it's not a capitalist economy, you need government permission for most major economic transactions, yes. And the government is the only ISP, since there aren't private businesses in Cuba, etc.
Exactly. They use "intranet." It's what coporations use for their employees. [/b]
No, they can access the World Wide Web. Read the links, OK?

[Knowledge 6 6 6]

Originally posted by Compañ[email protected] 13 2006, 01:45 AM
Um, the porn isn't made in Cuba, thus no Cubans are being exploited. It's perfect logic.
Ideologically it makes no sense. If you ban strip clubs, casinos, etc. from a country for ideological reasons, and in fact saying things like, 'I don't want my Cuban people to think success can be based on luck'; and thus allowing them to access the internet is complete hypocrisy. You can bet, gamble, win money, etc. all online.

Where's your 'perfect logic'? It doesn't make sense...at least to me.

Just because porn isn't being made in Cuba and no Cubans are being exploited doesn't mean its right...so would Castro allow stripclubs in Cuba if all the women were not Cuban?

[Nothing Human Is Alien]

Okay, let's get a few things straight first of all.

People have taken the time to explain to on several occassions that Fidel Castro isn't a one man government, so stop echoing bourgeois lies like "Fidel outlawed x."

Second, make up your mind... on Jul 14 2005 you said:


Tell me if you can read this post when you live in Cuba...oh wait, no internet access.

.. but now you say:
Cubans are free to access internet porn

So which is it.. are you admitting that you were wrong now? Cuz you refused to even in the face of facts earlier.

And it's sort of funny the way you bash Cuba no matter what it does.. first you criticized it because you said there was no internet access (which was wrong), and now you criticize it because there is internet access, and there happens to be porn on the internet! :lol:

There's not much else to say..

Yes, casinos, the lottery, and strip clubs are banned in Cuba.. the reason for that is to end the exploitation of Cubans in those industries. There is porn on the internet, but none of it comes from Cuba.. what would you have them do, block it? But then you'd cry about censorship! :lol: There is also online gambling, though I'm sure you need a credit card to participate.. something people in Cuba don't have.

So yeah, like I said, perfect logic.

[FULL METAL JACKET]

Originally posted by Severian+Mar 12 2006, 08:50 PM--> (Severian @ Mar 12 2006, 08:50 PM)
Originally posted by FULL METAL [email protected] 11 2006, 08:40 PM

Originally posted by [email protected] 11 2006, 09:22 PM

FULL METAL [email protected] 11 2006, 10:33 AM

Internet access is allowed but you do need government permission to do so. Also if you want to buy computer equipment you need government permission as well.
Since it's not a capitalist economy, you need government permission for most major economic transactions, yes. And the government is the only ISP, since there aren't private businesses in Cuba, etc.
Exactly. They use "intranet." It's what coporations use for their employees.
No, they can access the World Wide Web. Read the links, OK? [/b]
That is the world wide web. Read carefully, ok?

[Karl Marx's Camel]

Wouldn't it be beneficial for Cuba to simply have nationalized the casinos, and invite rich people over, so that Cuba could suck the money out of their pockets?

[Wanted Man]

Oh dear Lord, Ignorance_666 is at it again...

[Knowledge 6 6 6]

Originally posted by Compañ[email protected] 14 2006, 03:20 AM
Okay, let's get a few things straight first of all.

People have taken the time to explain to on several occassions that Fidel Castro isn't a one man government, so stop echoing bourgeois lies like "Fidel outlawed x."

Second, make up your mind... on Jul 14 2005 you said:


Tell me if you can read this post when you live in Cuba...oh wait, no internet access.

.. but now you say:
Cubans are free to access internet porn

So which is it.. are you admitting that you were wrong now? Cuz you refused to even in the face of facts earlier.

And it's sort of funny the way you bash Cuba no matter what it does.. first you criticized it because you said there was no internet access (which was wrong), and now you criticize it because there is internet access, and there happens to be porn on the internet! :lol:

There's not much else to say..

Yes, casinos, the lottery, and strip clubs are banned in Cuba.. the reason for that is to end the exploitation of Cubans in those industries. There is porn on the internet, but none of it comes from Cuba.. what would you have them do, block it? But then you'd cry about censorship! :lol: There is also online gambling, though I'm sure you need a credit card to participate.. something people in Cuba don't have.

So yeah, like I said, perfect logic.
You're bringining up things I said in July?! Wow...you're desparate to get your point across...

Anyways, you still didn't answer my question; which is, by your logic as long as the Cuban people aren't being exploited it's okay. It defeats the ideology of exploiting people, which Castro seems to be committed to.

If you're going to debate something with me, at least be mature about it. After all, that is what politics is about; debating/discussing.

Matthijis; what do you have against me? What, did I ask an obvious question to your disliking?

[Severian]

Originally posted by Knowledge 6 6 [email protected] 14 2006, 07:54 AM

Second, make up your mind... on Jul 14 2005 you said:


Tell me if you can read this post when you live in Cuba...oh wait, no internet access.

.. but now you say:
Cubans are free to access internet porn

So which is it.. are you admitting that you were wrong now? Cuz you refused to even in the face of facts earlier.

And it's sort of funny the way you bash Cuba no matter what it does..
You're bringining up things I said in July?! Wow...you're desparate to get your point across... [/quote]
Or in the immortal words of a character on Boondocks: "Why you bringing up old stuff?"

C'mon, CdeL has you dead to rights. If Cuba bans internet access, you condemn that: if they don't, you still condemn them.

How are you not a troll?

[Knowledge 6 6 6]

Everyone seems to be misinterpreting what I'm saying...so let me try to clarify:

If Fidel is so committed to ending exploitation in whatever form, then why would he condone access to the internet? I agree, in July I said something that contradicted this statement, and yes I take fault in that - it was said in a certain time and mindframe.

Again, my concern is with the ideology of ending exploitation. It makes little sense if you allow 'net access, where people are free to access exploitative things like porn, gambling, etc. But again, as Cdel said,

"Yes, casinos, the lottery, and strip clubs are banned in Cuba.. the reason for that is to end the exploitation of Cubans in those industries. There is porn on the internet, but none of it comes from Cuba.. "

So long as it isn't Cuban women or Cubans owning Casinos online...everything seems to be fine and dandy. THIS is my problem with internet access in Cuba.

If anyone has something constructive to say; please feel free. Otherwise, vent your anger elsewhere.

[FULL METAL JACKET]

"Yes, casinos, the lottery, and strip clubs are banned in Cuba.. the reason for that is to end the exploitation of Cubans in those industries. There is porn on the internet, but none of it comes from Cuba.. "

So long as it isn't Cuban women or Cubans owning Casinos online...everything seems to be fine and dandy. THIS is my problem with internet access in Cuba.
You responded to that statement as if the Cuban government itself put that statement out saying, "Everyone get online and watch porn, let's laugh at all the foreigners, hey atleast it's not us!" Don't be ridiculous. Most Cubans don't have the money for internet access let alone spend it on gambling or even running a gambling site so there is no problem, your just making up one. I highly doubt the average Cuban going online is going straight to some porn site and that's it but you seem to think that for some strange reason.

[gewehr_3]

So is the inernet access free in cuba or do you have to pay for it?

[Comrade Marcel]

Originally posted by FULL METAL [email protected] 11 2006, 04:33 PM
Internet access is allowed but you do need government permission to do so. Also if you want to buy computer equipment you need government permission as well.
That's a complete pile of bullshit. There are internet cafe's in and around Havana. Anyone who pays can use them. There are computers in the schools and other places, and some people have them in homes. Access is not widespread, as other things take priority. I talk to many Cubans on ICQ and MSN. I have talked to many of my comrades online when they where in Cuba, my comrades have never mentioned any problems access sites. There is probably more internet censorship in U$ and Kanadian highschools then Cuba.

[heavymanners]

I was in Cuba last April, and there was internet access at the offices of the Cuban national telephone company in the three cities/towns I visited, and one or two of the places I stayed had it as well. There were no restrictions on access to any websites, as far as I could tell.

One strange thing though - while I was using the internet in Baracoa, I had a Cuban approach me and tell me that he needed a foreigner with him in order to use the public internet, and asked me to sit with him while he sent emails, etc.. I'm not really sure what that was all about, as no one else said anything about that restriction while I was there, and this guy paid for the access card himself.

Internet access is pretty expensive by local Cuban standards, so even if Cubans have legal access to it, it's probably out of reach for a lot of them. I think it was the equivalent of a few dollars an hour (in convertible pesos), which is quite a lot of money down there.

[norwegian commie]

Again, my concern is with the ideology of ending exploitation. It makes little sense if you allow 'net access, where people are free to access exploitative things like porn, gambling, etc. But again, as Cdel said,

"Yes, casinos, the lottery, and strip clubs are banned in Cuba.. the reason for that is to end the exploitation of Cubans in those industries. There is porn on the internet, but none of it comes from Cuba.. "

So long as it isn't Cuban women or Cubans owning Casinos online...everything seems to be fine and dandy. THIS is my problem with internet access in Cuba.

well for the explitation of women in the porn industry to stop we need a serius change in society. also called a revolution :D Then we could stop this fully. Fidel can only do whats best for his country, not the world as it is still mosty capitalist nations rcjecting Fidel.

If i understand you right you mean Fidel should ban the entire porn section of the web? meaning a whole frikkin lot. the porn on the web is insanly large! Banning this would be diffucult and expencive, pluss people would complain about censorship.

Explitation of women is no good thing both Fidel and me are aware of that, he is definetly not nationalistic. He is just as conserned about this as me and you but he is no world leader, he is the leader in a small poor island only maintaning itself by the wonderful socialistic goverment there :)
He does not have all kind of influence, but he will have after the new world order :D ... Fidel cant do everything! but he does what he can.

By the way you are overestimating his power, he spends most his time discussing, holding speaches to the people and working things out. the real power is spread weary much around.

[Knowledge 6 6 6]

Points taken. Thanks norwegian commie for posting a mature response.

[Karl Marx's Camel]

By the way you are overestimating his power, he spends most his time discussing, holding speaches to the people and working things out. the real power is spread weary much around.

I agree. I think Fidel has enormous powers, but I believe 95 percent of it is moral.


I really think the only thing that should be censored on the net is child porn, rape sites, and the like. Thank God that there is no censorship on the net in Cuba; That Cubans can access any sites they want and share their views with the world, unlike the situation in China.

[norwegian commie]

Points taken. Thanks norwegian commie for posting a mature response.

Glad to help, my comrade