Venezuela unblocks 17 censored news sites, group says

Venezuela has restored access to 17 news sites that had been censored for years, digital rights group VE Sin Filtro said, as US-backed political transition talks with parts of the opposition were set to resume in Caracas.

Telecom regulator CONATEL announced the “formal restoration of access to various national and international digital platforms and media outlets”. VE Sin Filtro said it verified access to 17 news sites through several internet providers, while at least 188 websites remained blocked, including 79 news outlets.

The decision came before a second round of talks in Caracas between the interim government and parts of the opposition. The talks are partly focused on freedom of expression.

Dinorah Figuera, head of the opposition delegation, called the move “a first step” and said many outlets still needed to return “fully and permanently”.

Caracas censored hundreds of websites under Nicolas Maduro, who was captured by US forces in January and replaced by interim leader Delcy Rodriguez. Washington is backing the dialogue eight months after Maduro's ouster, although US President Donald Trump has ruled out elections in the near future.

Journalists and non-governmental groups had campaigned for years against censorship imposed under Maduro's administration, with users relying on VPNs to reach blocked sites.

Deputy Communications Minister Gustavo Villapol said on state television that the decision aimed to end polarisation. Luis Ernesto Blanco, editorial director of the previously blocked site Runrunes, said the measure amounted to official recognition that public debate had been restricted.

Victor Amaya, whose online outlet TalCual was blocked in July 2024, said he hoped the change would lead to “a normalized communication environment”, but voiced doubt that all blocked sites would return. He said TalCual had lost 60 percent of its traffic and significant advertising income.

The news site NTN24 said its content was visible again in Venezuela, but later reported intermittent access. Other outlets also reported intermittent access.

Also Thursday, former opposition mayor Javier Oropeza was arrested by Sebin intelligence agents in Barquisimeto after recently returning from two years in exile. He was released after several hours. Figuera said she had protested to the authorities and called for all political prisoners to be released.