DigiActive.org

Tactic: Flash Drive Activism in Cuba

Description: In Cuba, where Internet use is strictly curtailed (there is only one legal cybercafé in Old Havana and home connections are illegal), activists spread digital content from computer to computer using flash drives.  This creative work-around demonstrates that digital activism is possible even in places where the traditional means of such activism – the Internet – is unavailable.

Organizer: This activity centers around the University of Information Sciences, the top computer science school.

Purpose of Action: To use computers to share politically- sensitive digital video and content despite the inability to connect to the Internet.

Organizing Tools: the humble (yet mighty) flash drive, digital cell phone video.

Outcome: Even the lack of Internet connections has not stopped digital activists in Cuba.

Ease of Replication: Flash drives are increasingly affordable and easy to use and, in the absence on an Internet connection (or in the presence of heavy filtering and surveillance) they are a practical alternative way to share digital content.

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