The dictator's dilemma -- the Cuban example

While there is some degree of access or content control in every nation, those with relatively free political systems, tend to be more open. Dictatorial governments seek to control access to political information. At the same time, they recognize that the Internet can be a source of economic productivity and improved health care, education, and quality of life. This presents a "dictator's dilemma" -- the desire to have the benefits of the Internet without the threat of political instability. How do you give people access to information for health care, education, and commerce while blocking political information?

The Cuban Internet provides an example.

Prior to 1995, Cuba was among the leaders in Caribbean Internet access. When the political leaders became aware of the Internet, they became concerned. They attributed the fall of the Soviet Union to openness.

Cuba slowed the diffusion of the Internet around 1995 while they decided whether to proceed, and, if they would proceed, who would be in charge.

Cuban ambivalence over the Dictator's Dilemma was demonstrated at 1995 Central Committee meeting of the Communist Party. Carlos Lage, Secretary of the Executive Council of Ministers was pro Internet. He pointed out that "one telex can cost twelve dollars [whereas] the same message costs 75 cents in the form of a fax and 3 cents via the Internet."

At the same meeting, Raul Castro, Fidel's brother, stated that "The glasnost which undermined the USSR and other socialist countries consisted in handing over the mass media, one by one, to the enemies of socialism."

Cuba reached a compromise. They decided to use the Internet, but maintain control over content by funneling all traffic through a single organization. Web sites can be blocked and messages monitored if they so choose.

Access is controlled by setting prices high and charging dollars rather than pesos. They provide accounts for people at work, and require that they use the Internet only for authorized activity.

Internet diffusion in Cuba has now fallen well behind that of many Caribbean nations. Political control measures are partially responsible for their relative decline.