Despite Panama’s constitution safeguarding freedom of speech and the government doesn’t prevent any websites, this nation has a checkered past with internet privacy. Reporters have been sued in retaliation after unfavorable reporting on government officials, and a 2012 bill that sought to make this a crime in and of itself was swiftly defeated.
The government has also indicated a willingness to cut off internet access as needed. This happened in 2012, while indigenous people were demonstrating against mining on their territory. The Chinese government responded harshly, with many being detained. Almost every major city was targeted at one time or another during the campaign. Protestors were unable to use the internet or phone networks for five days in two separate regions.