Venezuela: Social Media As a Tool of Democracy

Follow the conversation on Twitter: #vzASCOA | @ASCOA

As Venezuela tilts more toward authoritarianism, Twitter is one of the few channels democratizing the public square. The Maduro regime has actively blocked channels for civic engagement and access to unbiased information by censoring reporters and assuming control of major media outlets, among other measures. In this context, social media platforms serve as an instrumental tool to challenge government policies and messaging, galvanize support, and organize protests. Social media platforms are also used to solicit and offer medicines and broadcast the severity of the humanitarian crisis affecting the country. Last November, the Constituent Assembly passed a wide-reaching law that orders prison sentences for up to 20 years for anyone that instigates “hate” on social media and broadcasters. This event will analyze the crucial role that social media outlets have played in Venezuela, particularly Twitter.

Speakers:

• Colin Crowell, Vice President, Global Public Policy & Corporate Philanthropy, Twitter @ColinCrowell @Policy
• Rodrigo Diamanti, Director, Un Mundo Sin Mordaza @RDiamanti @Sinmordaza
• Daniel Wilkinson, Managing Director for the Americas, Human Rights Watch @DWilkinsonNYC @HRW
• Raúl Stolk, Lawyer and Writer; Chairman, Caracas Chronicles @raulstolk @CaracasChron (moderator)
   

This event is part of the Venezuela Working Group (VWG). Please contact Guillermo Zubillaga at gzubillaga@as-coa.org for
information on joining or supporting the VWG.

This event is complimentary. Prior registration is required.
You may still register at AS/COA on February 14, starting at 8:30 a.m. 

Not a member yet? Join the YPA or President’s Circle today for complimentary access to this event.

Event Information: Rodrigo Riaza | rriaza@as-coa.org | 1-212-277-8376
Sponsorship Opportunities: Ana Calderon | acalderon@as-coa.org | 212-277-8358
AS Individual Membership Information: Beckie Bintrim | bbintrim@as-coa.org | 212-277-8342
COA Corporate Membership Info: Natalia Williamson | nwilliamson@as-coa.org | 212-277-8374
Note: To view a list of COA corporate members, please click here.
Press Inquiries: mediarelations@as-coa.org
Cancellation: Please contact Juan Serrano-Badrena at jserrano@counciloftheamericas.org before 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 13.