Block of Wikipedia in Venezuela
NetBlocks report of the progress of Wikipedia being blocked in Venezuela by CANTV for 12 January 2019 | |
| Date | 12–18 January 2019 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 6 days |
| Location | Venezuela |
| Cause | Response to Venezuelan presidential crisis |
| Outcome | Affected websites unblocked |
On 12 January 2019, the main telecommunications provider in Venezuela, CANTV, issued a block against the online encyclopedia, Wikipedia. All of CANTV's 1.5 million users were affected by the decision. The block was lifted on 18 January 2019, following widespread criticism against the state-owned company, claiming it was in response to the Venezuelan presidential crisis.
The block coincided with Juan Guaidó's claims to become acting president during the beginning of the Venezuelan presidential crisis. During the crisis, several Internet outages were reported as well as the blocking of multiple websites, including Wikipedia.
Wikimedia Venezuela reported another block of Wikipedia on 23 January 2019.
In July 2024, Wikipedia was again blocked in Venezuela on major private internet service providers, including Digitel and NetUno, just hours before the presidential election held on 28 July 2024, according to reporting by the Venezuelan newspaper Correo del Caroní, citing digital rights monitors.