Venezuela restores X after 1 year ban following Nicolas Maduro’s capture
Venezuela has restored access to Elon Musk's social network X after a year-long ban imposed under former president Nicolás Maduro. The platform was blocked following the disputed 2024 election and was reopened after Maduro was captured by US forces earlier this month.
New Delhi: Venezuelans regained broad access to the social media platform X on Tuesday, more than a year after the service was shuttered by the country’s former president, Nicolás Maduro. The block had cut off a key channel of online communication for citizens, officials and institutions, forcing many to rely on workarounds to stay connected. The restoration follows major political changes in the country, including Maduro’s removal from power after his capture by U.S. forces earlier this month.
Interim President Delcy Rodríguez, who previously served as Maduro’s vice president, marked the reopening by updating her X profile with a message urging unity and a focus on economic stability and social justice. While access has returned, connectivity remains uneven in parts of the country as the platform resumes operations after the long suspension.
Block lifted after political upheaval
In August 2024, X was suspended when Maduro, who was at that time under extensive criticism with his disputed election win, had the network blocked throughout the country. Authorities blamed the site of dissent after tempers escalated between Maduro and the owner of X, Elon Musk. The ban compelled government ministries, lawmakers and institutions to stop updating to cause the isolation of users of one of the most widely used social networks in the country.
The ousting of Maduro in office and his subsequent capture by U.S. troops together with his wife preconditioned the rapid changes in policy. Rodríguez took over during the turmoil, and in several days recalled the ban on X, marking a move to recover digital liberties and wider connection of Venezuelans.
Return of official accounts
Government accounts that had been dormant for more than a year have begun posting again. Maduro’s account, updated with a photo of him and his wife, featured the message: "We want you back,” underscoring the swift changes in the nation’s political communications landscape.
Observers say the return of X may improve information flow within Venezuela, where traditional media outlets have long been under tight state control and digital platforms played a growing role in public discourse before the ban.