According to academic research, the Venezuelan government changed its policy on public use of Internet after an electoral defeat in 2007.

Raisa Uribarri, a professor and researcher at Los Andes University (ULA), says that following the adoption of the Constitution in 1999, the Law on Telecommunications and the Decree 825 issued by the Executive Branch of government in 2000, the Internet was viewed as a tool for economic development. Therefore, the Venezuelan authorities outlined strategies to expand its penetration.

The expert added that "2007 was a turning point." She stressed that the perception of President Hugo Chávez, who believed that his defeat in a referendum seeking a constitutional reform was due to the fact that "people did not understand the proposal" because of an alleged manipulation by the media, led to a change in the government strategy with regard to the Internet.

Meanwhile, Reporters without Borders (RSF), a non-governmental organization based in Paris that advocates freedom of the press, expressed its view with respect to the statements made by the Venezuelan ruler. Chávez criticized reports posted on a news website by two forum participants who reported the alleged murder of Minister of Housing and Habitat Diosdado Cabello and pro-government TV anchor Mario Silva.

"Imposing restrictions on the Internet will not solve the problem of false reports," RSF said in a statement.

Translated by Gerardo Cárdenas