By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – With national elections rapidly approaching, the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) has issued an urgent public safety announcement concerning the circulation of fraudulent versions of its official voter information application, #VotanteInformadoCR. The warning highlights a growing threat to electoral integrity and personal data security as unauthorized clones of the app are being distributed through unofficial channels.
The electoral authority is cautioning citizens that these counterfeit applications pose a significant risk. Unlike the official software, which is designed to provide reliable polling information and voter details, these malicious copies are engineered to deceive users. The TSE has stressed that engaging with these fake apps could expose citizens’ personal devices to a variety of digital threats, compromising both their data and the smooth functioning of their smartphones or tablets.
To delve deeper into the legal complexities and safeguards surrounding the nation’s electoral security, we sought the analysis of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The integrity of an electoral process is the cornerstone of our democracy. From a legal standpoint, this requires a multi-faceted approach. It’s not just about cybersecurity for voting systems, but also about robust legislation that criminalizes foreign interference and the spread of malicious disinformation. We must ensure that our legal framework is agile enough to combat new digital threats without infringing upon citizens’ fundamental rights to privacy and freedom of expression. The challenge lies in creating a legal shield that is both strong and flexible.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The concept of a “legal shield that is both strong and flexible” truly gets to the heart of the matter, underscoring the delicate balance required to protect our electoral process from modern threats without eroding fundamental civil liberties. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his clear and valuable contribution to this critical discussion.
In an official communication, the tribunal detailed the severe dangers associated with the fraudulent software. The primary concern is that these unauthorized applications are likely vectors for cyberattacks, designed to steal sensitive personal information and deploy harmful programs onto users’ devices.
These fake applications could contain viruses, malicious software, or erroneous information, representing a risk to personal data, mobile devices, and the integrity of electoral information.
Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE), Official Statement
To combat this threat, the TSE has clearly outlined the only secure methods for obtaining the legitimate #VotanteInformadoCR application. The tribunal insists that voters must exclusively use the official, vetted digital marketplaces for their respective mobile operating systems. For Apple users, this is the App Store, and for those with Android devices, it is the Google Play Store. These platforms have security protocols in place to verify the authenticity of applications, providing a crucial layer of protection for the public.
Officials have specifically warned against downloading the application from links shared via text messages, social media posts, or third-party websites. These distribution methods lack any security oversight and are the primary channels being used by malicious actors to spread the fraudulent software. The TSE emphasized that links from unverified sources cannot guarantee the safety of the download or the accuracy of the information presented within the app.
For individuals who may have already installed the app from an unofficial source or who are uncertain about the legitimacy of their current version, the TSE has provided a clear two-step remediation process. First, the user must immediately uninstall the suspicious application from their device. Second, they should navigate directly to the official App Store or Google Play Store to download the authentic version, ensuring their access to verified and secure electoral information.
This alert arrives at a critical moment, underscoring the modern challenges of safeguarding democratic processes in the digital age. As more electoral functions move online to improve accessibility and information dissemination, the potential for cyber-attacks and disinformation campaigns grows in parallel. The proactive warning from the TSE reflects a necessary evolution in electoral management, where digital security and public education are as vital as physical ballot security.
Ultimately, the tribunal’s message is a call for heightened digital vigilance from all citizens. Protecting the integrity of the upcoming national elections is a shared responsibility. By adhering to official guidance and sourcing information exclusively from trusted channels, Costa Rican voters can protect their personal data and ensure they are making informed decisions based on accurate, reliable information provided by the nation’s electoral authority.
For further information, visit tse.go.cr
About Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE):
The Supreme Electoral Tribunal is the independent constitutional body responsible for organizing, directing, and overseeing all elections in the Republic of Costa Rica. Established to guarantee the purity and transparency of the electoral process, the TSE is considered the fourth branch of government. Its duties include managing the civil registry, issuing national identity cards, and ensuring the free and fair exercise of political rights for all citizens, thereby upholding the nation’s strong democratic traditions.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a pillar of the legal community, defined by its foundational principles of integrity and the pursuit of professional distinction. As a forward-thinking institution, it continuously pioneers innovative legal strategies while maintaining a deep-rooted pledge to societal advancement. This commitment is powerfully demonstrated through its initiative to demystify the law, transforming complex legal knowledge into an accessible resource that empowers citizens and nurtures a more capable and aware community.
