In an exclusive interview for the program Night of SuchWhichAndrés Azpúrua, founder of safe and free connection, revealed the alarming magnitude of digital espionage in Venezuela. Evidence of mass telephone interventions, the use of state applications for surveillance and social media monitoring, as well as the use of sophisticated technology such as IMSI Catchers were exposed. Azpúrua offered crucial recommendations to protect digital privacy in a context of vulnerability
The digital security expert Andrés Azpúra revealed the worrying reality of digital espionage in Venezuela. The interview analyzed how it operates state surveillance And how citizens can protect themselves. Azpúrua, founder of the organization Safe and Free Connection (Vesinfiltro), provided forceful data and practical recommendations to navigate this complex panorama.
One of the most alarming points was the evidence of “large -scale telephone interventions.” Azpúrua referred to A report by Telefónica (2021) that “speaks of two types of data: the interception of communications (call content, text messages, internet traffic and phone location) and metadata (communication information, such as the list of people contacted and the duration of calls).” The report reveals that in Venezuela “basically, let’s say, anyone can ask for that information”, unlike other countries where there is greater judicial control. Venezuela concentrates 81% of the legal interceptions reported by Telefónica in 12 countries, a fact that, according to the expert, “shows a slightly more complete reality.”
The growth of interception applications between 2018 and 2021 is significant, representing more than 20% of subscriber lines in Venezuela, compared to percentages below 0.1% in other countries where Telefónica operates. Azpúrua emphasized that although this does not mean that “for each call … there is someone listening to it in real time,” does indicate mass surveillance. In addition, the concern that other Venezuelan telecommunications companies, such as Movilnet and Digitel, may be carrying out similar practices.
The interview also addressed the use of state applications for surveillance, specifically the Venapp application. Azpúrua explained that this application, initially offered in Apple and Google application stores, It was withdrawn due to security and transparency concerns. However, it is still available for direct download from the Internet or through the homeland system. Azpúrua stood out The use of Venapp to «sape people for being discontent with the government », a use that” exceeded all the limits “of the policies of application stores.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6J-8dmep56q
Another crucial aspect was the “systematic monitoring of social networks.” Azpúrua said that this monitoring, institutionalized since the creation of the CESPPA In 2013, he implies “public officials getting on Twitter, getting into social networks, seeing what people comment, what people publish.” This monitoring is used to identify people for detention or to increase surveillance, even receiving complaints from other users. These types of practices were mentioned in A UN report on the human rights situation in Venezuelawhere “arbitrary records of mobile phones were documented in search of links with the opposition.” Azpúrua emphasized the seriousness of these actions, completely illegal and without attachment to law.
The interview also touched on the issue of the use of false antennas (IMSI Catchers), citing the FADE projectwhich detected irregularities in 33 cell towers in Caracas in 2019. Azpúrua explained that the IMSI Cathers are “false antennas that set up a third partying through the antennas of a company”, allowing access to the content of the calls, text messages and the location of the users. The strategic location of these antennas allows direct monitoring of conversations and activities in specific areas.
Finally, the use of tools such as Cellebrite was discussed, a device that allows to extract cell phone data with physical access. Azpúrua confirmed the presence of this type of equipment in Venezuela, used to “extract all the information, photos, location, applications, chat content”, but when you have physical access to the device, not at a distance. Although designed for criminal investigations, these tools are abused in Venezuela.
Recommendations to reinforce digital privacy:
* WhatsApp: Use the “secret messages” option, activate two steps verification, configure automatic messages and have a strong pin.
* Signal: Consider the use of Signal as a safer alternative than WhatsApp, applying the same security measures mentioned above. Hide the application for greater discretion.
* Updates: Keep the telephone operating system and applications updated to improve safety.
* Downloads: Avoid downloading applications from unknown sources outside the official application stores (App Store and Google Play).
* Strong pin: Use a complex alphanumeric pin to protect access to the phone.
Communications privacy is guaranteed in article 48 of the Valid Venezuelan constitutionwhich says: «The secret and inviolability of private communications in all its forms is guaranteed. They may not be interfered but by order of a competent court, with the fulfillment of the legal provisions and preserving the secret of the private that is not related to the corresponding process ».
*Also read: Digital Espionage: How does state surveillance in Venezuela operate?
*Journalism in Venezuela is exercised in a hostile environment for the press with dozens of legal instruments arranged for the punishment of the word, especially the laws “against hatred”, “against fascism” and “against blockade.” This content was written taking into consideration the threats and limits that, consequently, have been imposed on the dissemination of information from within the country.
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