Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro ordered a 10-day ban on social networking site X, cutting off locals’ access to the platform after a feud with Elon Musk. Maduro signed a decree ordering the Venezuelan telecommunications regulator to block X, citing the firm’s owner, Musk, for violating the rules of the social network, inciting hatred, fascism, civil war, death and confrontations among Venezuelans, and violating all of the laws of Venezuela.
The Venezuelan National Commission of Telecommunications, or Conatel, will remove the X social network out of circulation in Venezuela for 10 days, allowing X to respond. Internet monitoring firm NetBlocks confirmed that X is now restricted in Venezuela following Maduro’s order. Several of the country’s internet service providers were shown cutting off access to the site, with some displaying zero reachability and others showing restricted access.
Musk had launched a war of words with Maduro, who claimed he clinched a third six-year term in power in a disputed election result. Musk wrote on X, “Shame on Dictator Maduro” and accused the longtime Venezuelan leader of committing “major election fraud.” In response, Maduro challenged the technology billionaire to fight him, telling national television: “Elon Musk, I’m ready. I’m not afraid of you… Let’s fight, wherever you want.”
Responding to a X post containing footage of Maduro’s comments, Musk said, “I accept.” Protests erupted in Venezuela following the 2024 presidential election on July 28, which was marred by allegations of misconduct and electoral fraud. Maduro’s government has cracked down on the protests, with riot police deployed to quell the unrest.
Both Maduro and his opponent, Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, claimed victory in the election, with the national electoral authority declaring Maduro won 51% of the vote. However, Washington and other foreign governments have cast doubt on the official results. The U.S., which back in April reimposed sanctions on Venezuela to pressure Maduro’s administration over election concerns, recognized Gonzalez as the winner of the disputed July vote.