Without knowing it, Cuban citizens gave up information to USAID contractors. The database separated the information by gender, age, ‘receptiveness’ and ‘political tendencies.’ Within the latter, respondents were categorized as ‘anti-revolution,’ ‘apolitical’ and ‘pro-revolution.’
The United States government’s attempt to create a fictitious social media network to undermine the Communist regime in Cuba continues to
anger one Central American nation. The government’s silence on the issue and further revelations by The Associated Press’ investigation has caused tensions between the U.S. and Costa Rica.
Earlier this month AP revealed a covert attempt by a U.S. agency to spy on Cuba. Reportedly, the United States Agency for International Development created a social media network called ZunZuneo, in the hopes of encouraging “flash mobs” across Cuba, similar to protests around the world facilitated by networks like Twitter. USAID used the U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica as a launching point for the project but also created front companies and used a bank account in the Cayman Islands to keep their actions a secret.
In 2009, Costa Rica warned the United States against attempting something like ZunZuneo, reports the AP. Now the Costa Rican government is demanding answers, but the U.S. is not saying anything.
The situation has strained the two nations’ diplomatic relationship and could lead to Costa Rica withdrawing from its cooperation agreement with the United States signed back during the Kennedy administration. Costa Rican officials said that the US exceeded the limits of binational cooperation.