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The Defense Minister of Uruguay is preparing to strengthen the country against cyber attacks by creating the National Computer Security Incident Response Center (CERTUY). The center aims to protect everything from databases to the country’s satellites. It also will work with domestic and international organizations to strengthen the security of Uruguay’s information technology.

The Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA) joined American Civil Liberties Association (ACLU) and other civil society voices in the United States in challenging the National Security Agency’s (NSA) use of so-called “upstream” data collection techniques, which involve the mass surveillance of global internet communications. This practice directly affects WOLA’s ability to communicate effectively with its contacts and partners throughout the Americas.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro responded to new U.S. sanctions against his government by promoting a general accused of repressing protesters to head the ministry responsible for national security

Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are both expected to re-elect their leaders this spring. Few will be surprised if Nursultan Nazarbayev keeps his job in Kazakhstan - though he's yet to announce he is running again - or if Islam Karimov stays president in Uzbekistan. Both have been in charge since Soviet times and are two of the longest serving leaders in the world.