The state-run digital platform, Cubadebate, has accused the social media network X of censoring institutional accounts linked to the regime since March 2026. They describe this as an "algorithmic warfare" orchestrated by the United States government.
An analysis conducted by the Media Observatory of Cubadebate examined over 600,000 mentions on X of ten governmental accounts, such as @partidopcc, @presidenciacuba, and @minint_cuba, from January 1 to May 13, 2026. The findings indicated a "sudden, widespread, and synchronized drop" in their digital reach and visibility.
The report associates this occurrence with a phenomenon known as shadowbanning, a form of censorship that doesn't remove content but limits its presence in searches, recommendations, and trends. The study draws parallels with documented patterns against Palestinian voices during the Gaza conflict.
The Observatory references the academic study Silencing & Surging, released in April by researchers from universities in Canada, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States, which involved 295 direct testimonials. The study concluded that shadowbanning acts as a "probabilistic throttling": while content isn't entirely erased, it becomes stifled within the algorithmic architecture.
The irony of Cubadebate's complaint is stark, given that the same government crying foul over algorithmic censorship on X implements direct, systematic, and well-documented censorship against independent press on the island.
Cuba ranks 160th out of 180 countries in the 2026 World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders, released on April 30, making it the second-worst in the Americas, just behind Nicaragua.
The Cuban Institute for Freedom of Expression and Press documented 128 assaults against the press in February 2026 alone, marking a 172.3% increase compared to the previous year. This included 40 arbitrary detentions and four physical attacks.
At least 23 independent media sites, such as 14ymedio, CubaNet, Diario de Cuba, El Toque, and CiberCuba, remain inaccessible on the island, according to Freedom House and Digital Guardians.
Journalist Yoani Sánchez, founder of 14ymedio, was detained on January 28, 2026, by State Security agents to prevent her from attending a diplomatic event. She stated on May 3 that "the poor quality of communications is not just a technical issue, it’s a strategy."
Ángel Cuza Alfonso, a journalist with CubaNet, was arrested on April 30 in front of his daughter in Havana, during one of the numerous police operations against activists and reporters observed in recent weeks.
The regime also obstructed an independent survey initiated by over 20 independent media outlets in April. Despite the blockade, the survey gathered over 41,000 responses, delivering damning results for the government.
Cubadebate's allegations coincide with the regime's rejection of a U.S. offer for free satellite internet via Starlink, announced by the State Department.
The official outlet Razones de Cuba, in criticizing the proposal, unintentionally acknowledged that the satellite network is "inherently resistant to physical attacks or governmental interdiction," exposing the true reason for the rejection: fear of losing control over communications.
Understanding Cuba's Algorithmic Censorship Claims
What is the "algorithmic warfare" Cubadebate refers to?
Cubadebate alleges that the United States is using algorithmic tactics on social media to censor and reduce the visibility of Cuban government accounts.
How does shadowbanning affect content on social media?
Shadowbanning is a form of censorship where content is not deleted but is restricted in its reach, making it less likely to appear in searches or recommendations.
Why did Cuba reject the Starlink internet offer?
Cuba rejected the Starlink offer due to fears that the satellite network's resilience would undermine the government's control over internet communications.