On August 17, the Cuban government enacted new regulations regarding the use of telecommunications, including internet and radio. The regulations, among other things, empower the state telecom monopoly ETECSA to shut down networks and services that transmit information that is false or against 'public morality' and 'respect for public order'. Internet service providers are obliged to suspend services of users who transmit such information.

The regulations have been condemned by civil society. Human Rights Watch says they severely restrict freedom of expression online and threaten users’ privacy, and have called on governments in Latin America, the European Union and the United States to press Cuba to repeal it. The Committee to Protect Journalists also says the regulations will further censor information in Cuba, and also called for their immediate repeal.