On the media war against Cuba

By Lissel Pino Ceballos, Communist Party of Cuba (PCC), translated from the Spanish

For more than six decades, Cuba has been the center of an intense media war seeking to undermine its political, economic, and social system. This phenomenon, driven primarily from abroad, not only attacks the legitimacy of the Revolution but also attempts to influence international perceptions of the island and foment domestic discontent.

Today, it has taken on new dimensions due to the rise of social media and widespread internet access.

In recent years, these have intensified and seek to discredit the achievements of the Cuban Revolution. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, fake news about the country's healthcare management was spread, despite Cuba's recognized advances in biotechnology and the development of vaccines such as Abdala and Soberana.

Likewise, digital platforms have been used to amplify negative narratives. Campaigns like "SOS Cuba" went viral at critical moments, often supported by bots and automated accounts simulating mass discontent. These strategies seek to generate chaos and distrust in the Cuban government.

Economic challenges, exacerbated by the US blockade, are used as a basis for constructing narratives of permanent crisis. Real problems are presented, but they are exaggerated or taken out of context to foster discouragement and division.

Cuba has implemented a media system to counter disinformation campaigns. These media outlets not only report on Cuban reality but also debunk fake news.

In a context where information circulates rapidly, media education has become a key tool. Cuba has implemented programs to help the population identify fake news and understand the impact of media campaigns.

Through initiatives such as inviting international journalists and actively participating in global forums, the Cuban government seeks to present its reality from its own perspective, challenging the narratives imposed by mainstream media.

The media war not only affects the external perception of Cuba, but also has a psychological impact on the population. However, the Cuban people have demonstrated a remarkable capacity for resilience, based on unity, solidarity, and access to education and culture.

The current challenge lies in adapting to the digital age, where disinformation campaigns are more sophisticated and difficult to detect. Cuba must continue strengthening its communication strategies and promoting a narrative that reflects its reality in an authentic and transparent manner.

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