Venezuela - October 2025

Nicolás Maduro has instructed the armed forces to either adapt an existing app or develop a new one within the same system, with the aim of enabling Venezuelans to report suspicious activity among their peers. Originally designed to allow citizens to flag problems with public services, the VenApp platform was repurposed during the protests following the 2024 election, when some users began reporting Maduro critics. This signals an escalation in surveillance efforts as the prospect of U.S. military action against Venezuela grows, with the U.S continuing to strike boats off the coast of Venezuela and following President Trump’s authorization of covert CIA activity in the country.

Sources: CNN, France 24, Infobae, Los Angeles Times, Time

Nicolas Maduro has petitioned the Supreme Court to revoke the nationality of Venezuelans who have expressed support for a potential invasion by the United States. He added that their passports and other documentation would be cancelled by the government. Although the Constitution expressly states that the nationality of Venezuelans by birth cannot be revoked, Maduro based his petition on a provision of the Constitution that establishes the duty to defend country, sovereignty and territorial integrity. Maduro has specifically targeted opposition members Leopoldo Lopez and Yon Goicoechea for their statements in favour of an armed intervention by the United States.

Sources: DW, El Mundo,  El Pais, La Republica, AP News