Censorship in Cuba

Censorship in Cuba is the most intense in the western hemisphere. It has been reported on extensively and resulted in European Union sanctions from 2003 to 2008 as well as statements of protest from groups, governments, and noted individuals.

Cuba has ranked low on the Press Freedom Index from Reporters Without Borders from 2002 when the index was established (134th out of 139) to the present (167th out of 179 in 2011-2012). In 2006 the Inter American Press Association reported that "repression against independent journalists, mistreatment of jailed reporters, and very strict government surveillance limiting the people’s access to alternative sources of information are continuing".

Books, newspapers, radio channels, television channels, movies and music are heavily censored. Clandestine printing is also highly restricted. The special permits that are required to use the Internet are only available to selected Cubans and use of the Internet is limited for the vast majority of Cubans. Mobile phones are quite rare, with most citizens not having been allowed to use them until quite recently. Foreign journalists who can work in the country are selected by the government.

Media is operated under the supervision of the Communist Party's Department of Revolutionary Orientation, which "develops and coordinates propaganda strategies".