Cuba: We Want To IM Again

(AP)  Cuba criticized Microsoft on Friday for blocking its Messenger instant messaging service on the island and in other countries under U.S. sanctions, calling it yet another example of Washington's "harsh" treatment of Havana.

The technology giant recently announced it was disabling the program's availability in Cuba, Syria, Iran, Sudan and North Korea to come into compliance with a U.S. ban on transfer of licensed software to embargoed countries.

The move "is just the latest turn of the screw in the United States' technological blockade against the island," a technology writer said in an article published by state youth newspaper Juventud Rebelde.

He called the ban on transfer of technology "a truly harsh violation" of Cuba's rights.

Messenger has been used on the island for a decade without Microsoft interference.

Dharmesh Mehta, director of Windows Live Product Management at the Redmond, Washington-based company, said Microsoft "made the change late last year in connection with the last product release of Windows Live Messenger."

"This is not a new change, but has only recently received attention," he said.

He added that "Microsoft is one of several major Internet companies that have taken steps aimed at meeting their obligations to not do business with markets on the U.S. sanctions list."

Mehta said that "Microsoft supports efforts to ensure that the Internet remains a platform for open, diverse and unimpeded content and commerce," and that "governments should exercise restraint in regulating the Internet."

Internet communications service Skype currently works in Cuba, but the government evidently has periodically blocked other similar services in the past - sometimes including Messenger.

Last month, the Obama administration announced it was lifting some U.S. restrictions on telecommunications with Cuba in an effort toward easing the island's isolation. It is unclear if those changes will affect the ban on export of licensed software.

Cuba has been criticized for its own restrictions on Internet technology.

Although many islanders have access to e-mail through schools, workplaces and post offices, government restrictions keep most citizens from unfettered access to the Web. Officials say the island does not have enough bandwidth to allow universal access.

Cuba's Internet connection comes via satellite from faraway countries such as Italy and Canada, and Havana complains that the U.S. embargo prevents it from obtaining better service through underwater cable.

The government uses filters on the islandwide intranet to block pages that contain pornography or are considered a threat to national security, including some sites run by anti-communist exiles, the U.S. government's Radio Marti and popular Cuban blogger Yoani Sanchez's "Generation Y."

Despite restrictions on U.S. licensed software, the Cuban government employs Windows operating systems and other Microsoft programs on many of its computers. But it is working toward replacing them with open-source programs.

During a media tour of Raul Cepero Bonilla technology high school in the capital, students and teachers this week touted the benefits of open-source software.

"Open software is comfortable, free, easy to modify and public," 15-year-old student Anette Camacho said.

Teacher Alain Tourino said Cuba should use only open software so it isn't bound to the rules and decisions of U.S. technology companies.
By Associated Press Writer Andrea Rodriguez; AP Technology Writer Jessica Mintz in Seattle contributed to this report

[ayatoldya]

USA law prohibits certain US technologies from being exported to or enabled to be used in some foreign countries. It's interesting to note that instant messaging software falls in this category when one considers the plethora of IM programs and channels available internationally.

What this act does show, is that all IM communications are routed through a central server as apposed to being sent directly from person to person. The scary part here is that any or every IM conversation can be recorded and stored for years, and the conversations can easily be monitored.

But big deal, Cubans can use China's QQ instant messenger and ICQ will probably work as well. Honestly, Microsoft's chat program has such a small market share it is surprising that this event would make the news.

[whitemale08]

For all the suckers who believe it was good for an evil monopoly like Microsoft to excercise the power of a sovereing government should scare the living day-lights out of thinking Americans.

Corporations have no loyalty to country or citizen and if we continue to give them more monopolistic powers and rights over people, no matter what country they are from, is not only dangerous but will get out of hand as it already has.

HOW DARE ANYONE DEFEND MICROSOFT?

HOW DARE HE?

[rwsmith29456]

That's some really tough sanctions. Taking IM away. Of course nowadays it's probably a lot more painful than in the days when mail was carried on horseback. I have no use for IM, anyway. Maybe the Cubans will tough though this crisis.

[PVperson2]

Anybody want to tell me who the embargo hurts other than the common citizens of Cuba. The last 50 years of our punishing the people of Cuba is because we embarrassed ourselves at the Bay of Pigs and refuse to admit our mistake.

[PVperson2]

vgtblsabledbl, you need to cut back on the drugs buddy or maybe think about AA.

[carolhill814]

I don't want that either because you never know what is being told to that Island that is none of their business.

Americans would sell the Untied States for nothing and think nothing about it because so many people feel they have been wronged.

[luke_4u]

I say we blame Bush. Anybody with me ?

[timothyjo]

the more we school the people here in u.s.the more stupid they become! why is it americans are so hateful let these people have computers talk . u.s scared we will work throw the smoke and mirror B.S. and see what a bunch of hipocrites we are?

[Slrman-21001573651763300012869]

Just another example of colossal government stupidity. Instant messaging is one of the best tools for free communication among ordinary people and I am surprised the "repressive" Castro regime didn't forbid it themselves.

OTOH, using any Micro$oft software exposed you to privacy invasion by MS itself far more than the government does. There are plenty of IM programs available. Cuba can just tell MS to take a long hike and use something sensible.

[omega39-2009]

Better they dismantle email servers serving Nigeria and spare the world their endless cons.