Venezuela lifts blocks on dozens of news sites ahead of new talks

Following the removal of Nicolas Maduro from power, Venezuela's telecom regulator restored access to 17 news websites that had been blocked for years, according to official statements. The decision was timed before the second round of dialogue in Caracas between the interim administration headed by Delcy Rodriguez and opposition representatives. Dinorah Figuera, leading the opposition delegation, welcomed the change, calling it a necessary step toward lawful, fear-free reporting.

VE Sin Filtro, a digital-rights watchdog, verified the unblocking but reported that 188 sites, including 79 news portals, remain offline. Deputy Communications Minister Gustavo Villapol framed the measure as a way to curb polarization and stop baseless accusations. Journalists such as Luis Ernesto Blanco of Runrunes view the move as an admission that public debate had been suppressed, while Victor Amaya of TalCual remains cautious about full restoration, noting the outlet lost 60% of its audience and advertising revenue during the blockade. Reporters Without Borders has previously warned that censorship has severely limited independent journalism in the country.