Venezuelans adopt coded communication and delete chats as state surveillance intensifies in 2025

Venezuelans adopt coded communication and delete chats as state surveillance intensifies in 2025

Recent WhatsApp messages, such as “Mom, delete the chats,” “Son, that gets recorded,” and “Delete your conversations before you leave,” highlight a pervasive fear among Venezuelan citizens. These exchanges, from a family preferring anonymity due to fear of reprisals, underscore the extreme caution now exercised in daily digital communications. The government’s escalating crackdown on freedom of expression has fundamentally reshaped how people interact online and through text messages.

Reports of authorities inspecting civilian cell phones for politically critical content have surged throughout early 2025. This increase follows a state of emergency declared in response to heightened geopolitical tensions and the political transition involving former leader Nicolás Maduro. The government asserts these measures are essential for national security amidst ongoing political instability.

Escalating digital scrutiny in the capital

Authorities have established more checkpoints across Caracas and other regions of the country. These points are sometimes fixed, often near security zones or public institutions, but many are mobile. Officials routinely stop drivers, question their destinations, search vehicles, and frequently examine their cell phones.

While phone searches are not entirely new, accounts gathered in early 2025 indicate a marked intensification since the government’s emergency decree. This decree permits extraordinary measures but lacks specific details regarding its scope, criteria, or whether it limits citizens’ fundamental rights and freedoms, including privacy in communications.

Constitutional rights versus practical realities

Venezuela’s Constitution, in Article 48, explicitly guarantees the secrecy and inviolability of private communications in all forms. It states these cannot be violated except by judicial order, following legal provisions, and with the secrecy of private matters unrelated to the legal process preserved. Despite this clear constitutional protection, numerous Venezuelans have reported having their cell phones searched without warrants in recent weeks.

Precautions extend beyond borders

Consequently, many individuals now speak in codes, deliberately avoid mentioning political figures, constantly delete content from their devices, and refrain from expressing opinions in WhatsApp groups. Since the recent political changes involving the former leader, the daily lives of ordinary Venezuelans have become fraught with uncertainty. It remains unclear who holds definitive power in the country, with various figures asserting authority while the economy continues to struggle and basic commodity prices fluctuate daily.

The need for caution is paramount for anyone perceived as critical of the government, especially when venturing out. “We received a notice this afternoon from the neighborhood community council, recommending caution with what we say on WhatsApp and in writing,” read one group message observed. Another message from a relative abroad, expressing a desire to visit Venezuela, received a swift reply advising against it because “things are complicated now.”

In response to a relative’s insistence on traveling regardless, suggestions included deleting social media accounts and creating new Google accounts. Reports verified indicate that individuals entering the country are also subjected to cell phone inspections upon arrival at the airport. Families in other nations, at the behest of their loved ones, confirmed that they too avoid political conversations and use codes to communicate with relatives in Venezuela.

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Past encounters, present fears: citizen testimonies

Even before the recent political shifts, routine checkpoints could quickly devolve into harrowing experiences for civilians. Such was the case for a chef earlier in 2025. The chef, who requested anonymity for fear of reprisals, recounted that an agent from the Sebin (Bolivarian National Intelligence Service) stopped him near a bridge in western Caracas while he was on his way to work. The agent did not ask for his documents or ID.

The initial question probed his profession. “Chef,” he replied. The second question directly targeted politics: “Are you a guarimbero?” – a derogatory term used by the government for anti-government protesters. He reiterated that he was a chef, emphasizing his focus on work and his desire to return home to his newborn daughter. However, instead of being allowed to leave, he was informed that his car and cell phone would be searched.

Journalistic vigilance in a controlled environment

After being instructed to unlock his phone, agents typed keywords like “guarimba,” “Diosdado Cabello,” and “Nicolás Maduro” into his WhatsApp search. Aware of similar incidents among friends, the chef habitually deleted political content, though he had a photo with opposition leader María Corina Machado in his gallery. During the search, only plantain or ripe tomato recipes appeared for “Maduro” in WhatsApp, and his gallery showed only food photos and his daughter. The thorough search lasted about an hour, punctuated by “intimidating messages and suspicious questions.” During the vehicle inspection, one officer expressed interest in a motorcycle accessory. “Keep it. I don’t even have a motorcycle anymore,” the chef said, hoping to end the situation, after which he was signaled to leave. Looking back, he saw other cars lined up for searches. The experience profoundly affected him; he now completely avoids political conversations, immediately deletes related messages, and empties chats. He also avoids going out alone, especially at night, due to the increased number of police checkpoints and believes his tattoos attract more attention, leading to three searches in less than six months.

Broader patterns of digital intrusion emerge

A journalist experienced a similar situation recently in early 2025. After coffee with colleagues, the journalist, also wishing to remain anonymous, was driving through an area in eastern Caracas when he encountered a police checkpoint stopping all vehicles. The procedure began with standard requests for documents, ID, and driver’s license.

However, the focus quickly shifted to his wallet. As he opened it, a small folded paper fell out, immediately changing the atmosphere. Officers suspected him of carrying marijuana and decided to conduct a more thorough inspection. The tension escalated as an officer demanded his cell phone, meticulously searching conversations for keywords related to drugs or any incriminating content. The journalist confirmed he had no drugs. Fortunately, his profession was not identified, and politically charged words that could expose conversations with his superiors, sources, or colleagues were not used during the search. He recounted feeling immense fear and desperation to end the ordeal, which lasted nearly an hour. The situation concluded when he heard, “Well, whatever you want to contribute,” prompting him to hand over a $50 bill he had. This episode still impacts his daily decisions; he has left several WhatsApp groups and frequently deletes phone content. He now avoids going out at night and limits daytime excursions to essential trips.

Public awareness and legal recommendations

Both men expressed surprise at the specific checkpoints but not at the overall situation, given the increasing frequency of such measures. Many civilians have reported cell phone inspections on social media, often leading to intimidation, extortion, and even detention. Numerous complaints come from men, who state that authorities frequently demand payments to allow drivers to proceed. Security forces also search women, even in the presence of children.

All testimonies consistently indicate that agents search for political content, specifically terms like “invasion,” “Trump,” and “Maduro.” However, personal and even intimate content has also been exposed during these searches, sparking complaints that the practice violates constitutional protections of private life. The Ministry of Interior, which oversees most of these checkpoints, has not yet responded to inquiries. Maracaibo Mayor Giancarlo Di Martino stated in late January 2025 that cell phone inspections are “totally prohibited, therefore, any agent who abuses their authority must be reported.”

Some individuals lack clarity about their individual rights, including privacy. Others are aware but fear detention if they attempt to assert these rights. The non-governmental organization Espacio Público has shared online recommendations for those facing inspections:
– Request to see the necessary judicial orders authorizing the search.
– Note the agent’s name and affiliation if no judicial order is presented.
– If possible, try to have at least two witnesses.
– Keep cell phone data encrypted.
– Avoid expressing political opinions in public or on unprotected platforms.

Venezuela, digital privacy, cell phone surveillance, government crackdown, coded communication