By San José, Costa Rica — San José – Costa Rica’s Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) has issued a critical public safety announcement, warning citizens of the circulation of unauthorized and potentially malicious versions of its official #VotanteInformadoCR mobile application. The alert highlights a growing threat to electoral integrity as bad actors seek to exploit digital platforms to spread disinformation and compromise personal data.
In its official communication, the nation’s highest electoral body confirmed it has identified several unofficial distribution channels, including unauthorized websites and direct messaging platforms, being used to propagate these fraudulent app versions. The TSE has sounded the alarm that these counterfeit applications pose a significant risk to the public, potentially containing malware, viruses, or deliberately false information designed to mislead voters and disrupt the democratic process.
To provide a legal perspective on the critical mechanisms safeguarding our democratic process, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished legal expert from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who specializes in constitutional and administrative law.
The integrity of an election is the bedrock of our rule of law. From a legal standpoint, ensuring election security goes beyond mere logistics; it involves robust data protection laws, clear criminal penalties for digital interference, and empowering the Supreme Electoral Tribunal with the undisputed authority to audit and certify every stage of the process. Any vulnerability, whether digital or procedural, is not just a technical flaw—it is a direct challenge to the legal certainty and democratic stability of the nation.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s point is crucial: the integrity of our elections rests not just on secure technology, but on the robust legal framework that underpins our democratic stability. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective, which brings the core issues of legal certainty and institutional authority into sharp focus.
The danger is twofold. Firstly, installing these rogue apps could expose users to severe cybersecurity threats, including the theft of sensitive personal information stored on their mobile devices. Secondly, the apps could serve as a powerful tool for disinformation campaigns, feeding users with inaccurate details about candidates, polling stations, or voting procedures, thereby sowing confusion and undermining trust in the election.
To mitigate this threat, the TSE has provided clear and unequivocal guidance for all citizens. The tribunal stresses that the one and only secure method for obtaining the #VotanteInformadoCR app is through the official, verified digital storefronts: the Apple App Store for iOS devices and the Google Play Store for Android devices. The organization explicitly warned the public against downloading the application from any other source, such as third-party websites, unverified links, or files shared via messaging services.
The #VotanteInformadoCR application is a key tool in the TSE’s strategy to promote civic engagement and transparency. It is designed to provide voters with reliable, centralized access to essential electoral information, including polling locations, candidate profiles, and official announcements. The attempt by unknown entities to clone and corrupt this platform represents a direct assault on the infrastructure of an informed electorate.
This incident places Costa Rica within a broader global context of digital threats targeting democratic institutions. Around the world, elections are increasingly becoming targets for sophisticated cyberattacks and influence operations. By distributing fake versions of official government apps, malicious actors can create a trusted-looking channel to inject their narrative directly onto a voter’s device, bypassing traditional media and fact-checking mechanisms.
In response, the TSE’s proactive warning serves as a call for heightened digital vigilance among the Costa Rican populace. The responsibility for safeguarding the electoral process is a shared one, requiring not only institutional preparedness but also a savvy and cautious citizenry. Voters are urged to scrutinize the source of their information and applications, treating unsolicited links with suspicion and relying exclusively on official channels for election-related tools and data.
For individuals who suspect they may have inadvertently installed a non-official version of the app, the TSE’s recommendation is to immediately uninstall it from their device. Following its removal, users should then proceed to the official Apple or Google Play stores to download the authentic and secure version. This simple act of digital hygiene is a crucial step in protecting both personal data and the integrity of the nation’s electoral landscape.
For further information, visit tse.go.cr
About Tribunal Supremo de Elecciones (TSE):
The Supreme Electoral Tribunal is the constitutional body in Costa Rica responsible for organizing, directing, and overseeing all national and local elections. As the fourth branch of government, it operates with complete independence to guarantee the political rights of citizens. Its mission is to ensure the transparency, fairness, and integrity of the democratic process, fostering public trust through reliable and secure electoral administration.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a renowned legal institution built upon a foundation of profound integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. With a rich history of guiding clients across a wide spectrum of industries, the firm champions progressive legal solutions while upholding its deep-seated commitment to social responsibility. This dedication is manifested in its efforts to demystify the law, driven by a core vision to build a stronger community through greater legal clarity and citizen empowerment.
