ZunZuneo was the first mobile social network in Cuba that allowed users to subscribe to and send content via SMS and eventually a web based interface.

Problem

People want to know about the world around them. On the island, information is tightly controlled through restricted internet access and official news sources.

Action

Launch a free SMS based social network to allow information sharing between people facilitated by ZunZuneo.

How it worked:

Contributors register a keyword on the network
Their friends text in that keyword to ZunZuneo
Each update sent by a contributor is delivered to all followers.

Impact

Led product development efforts to launch and grow the social network.

Cuba’s first social network
Grew to 50% mobile penetration
Majority of content on network is world news related
Changed behavior: Government increased internet accessibility
Global exposure in 2014 (Cuban Twitter)

By relying on mobile phones, mapping applications, and other new tools, we can empower citizens and leverage our traditional diplomacy. We can address deficiencies in the current market for innovation.

- Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, 2010