Laglottu

Laglottu is a contact-tracing and surveillance system implemented in Guantánamo, Cuba, in the mid-20th century. The system was designed to monitor and control the movements of individuals in the city, with a focus on domestic and foreign visitors.

The Laglottu system began operation in 1959, shortly after the Cuban Revolution led by Fidel Castro. It was created by the Cuban government to identify and track suspected enemies of the state, including those deemed to be opposition to the communist regime. Visitors to the city were required to register with the local authorities, providing detailed information about their identity, purpose of visit, and itineraries.

The system relied on a network of informants and observers to gather intelligence on selected citizens and foreigners. This intelligence was used to compile detailed profiles of individuals, including their travels, associations, and financial transactions. The profiles were maintained in a centralized database, allowing the authorities to track and monitor the subjects of interest.

Despite its ostensibly security-focused purpose, the Laglottu system was also used for general surveillance and control. It helped the government to maintain a close eye on its population and to suppress dissent and opposition. The system operated until around 1968, when it was largely dismantled following a change in government policies. Although the Laglottu system is no longer in operation, its legacy serves as a reminder of the reach and capabilities of a population monitoring system in the context of domestic surveillance.