The Need for a Tech-Based Foreign Policy Strategy to Combat Authoritarianism

In Venezuela, the Maduro regime has cracked down on political opponents following the rigged election, arbitrarily detaining over 2,000 activists. Technology has emerged as a crucial tool for activists to coordinate actions, spread messages, and document injustices. However, Maduro has exploited surveillance technologies to suppress digital freedoms, even banning platforms like X and Signal. To support democracy and empower activists, a comprehensive tech-based foreign policy strategy is imperative, safeguarding access to technology, blocking autocrats' surveillance capabilities, and promoting privacy protections globally.

The July 28th presidential election in Venezuela was marred by President Nicolas Maduro's blatant manipulation to secure his grip on power. In the aftermath, the regime has arbitrarily detained over 2,000 activists, suppressing opposition voices.

The Need for a Tech-Based Foreign Policy Strategy to Combat Authoritarianism

Technology has played a pivotal role for activists in Venezuela. Social networks and privacy messenger technologies like X and Signal have enabled them to coordinate actions, spread their messages, and document injustices, especially after the closure of virtually all opposition media outlets.

However, Maduro has aggressively cracked down on digital freedoms. The regime has encouraged citizens to report opposition sympathizers through the VenApp application. Security forces inspect citizens' phones, detaining individuals based on content related to protests or anti-government expressions.

The Need for a Tech-Based Foreign Policy Strategy to Combat Authoritarianism

Despite sanctions imposed by the United States and the European Union, Maduro has accessed cutting-edge technology from countries like China. The Chinese company ZTE has supplied Venezuela with advanced surveillance technology, bolstering Maduro's repressive capabilities.

To truly support freedom activists in countries like Venezuela, democratic nations must implement a comprehensive tech-based foreign policy strategy. This strategy should:

The Need for a Tech-Based Foreign Policy Strategy to Combat Authoritarianism

* Guarantee people's access to technology worldwide, ensuring they have the tools to communicate, access information, and make payments securely.

* Block autocratic regimes from accessing surveillance technologies, depriving them of tools to violate citizens' human rights.

The Need for a Tech-Based Foreign Policy Strategy to Combat Authoritarianism

* Promote policies that protect people's privacy globally, especially in democracies, preventing governments from arbitrarily accessing financial data and blocking bank accounts.

Canada's freezing of truck drivers' bank accounts during the 2022 vaccine mandate protest highlights the potential for financial laws to be used against dissenters. International financial regulations can empower governments to arbitrarily block accounts, freeze assets, and access banking data.

Protecting people's right to communicate securely, access information, and make payments is essential for promoting democracy internationally. The Maduro regime in Venezuela demonstrates the critical need for a tech-based foreign policy strategy that empowers activists, promotes digital freedoms, and combats authoritarianism.