Episode 59 - Internet in Cuba, Bitcoin in Venezuela
Today we have a look at how information technology is affecting life in authoritarian socialist regimes such as Cuba and Venezuela. Particularly, we discuss the introduction of 3G cellular service in Cuba, and how it has needed to compromise on allowing more connectivity to its citizens over the last decade.
In the case of Venezuela, we look at how cryptocurrency (and Bitcoin in particular) is being used to work around currency controls and hyperinflation. It’s still speculative on how much this is really going on, but we talk more generally about how crypto technology can be used in a social-upheaval type situation in the future.
We also check in on Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey’s recent 3.5 hour long interview on Joe Rogan. The main topic, which we have covered here in the past, is on content moderation and bias at social media companies. We round up the different viewpoints expressed and continue to provide our ongoing analysis.
Links
AP News on Cellular Internet Service being Introduced into Cuba
Cuba’s recent constitutional changes
New York Times Opinion Piece on Bitcoin in Venezuela by a Venezuelan Economist
Using Bitcoin Through Text Message in Venezuela
Using Bitcoin during the Venezuelan Blackout
More on the Venezuela Blackout
Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey on Joe Rogan with Tim Pool and Vijaya Gadde (all 3.5 Hours)
Previous Episodes
Episode 56 on the Trust and Safety Role
Episode 37 with Naomi Brockwell on the Global Effects of Bitcoin on Society
Episode 28 on the Censoring of Alex Jones
Episode 25 on the Great Twitter Purge
Episode 10 on Why I think Content Moderation at a Global Scale is Impossible
Episode 1 with Intro recorded right after my Cuba trip
Max’s appearance on Tech2025 with Charlie Oliver
