The right to information and regulation in the treatment of COVID-19 in the Andean countries

The measures taken by the Andean governments to reduce COVID-19 infections are generating new scenarios among citizens. Some policies affect the media, the work of journalists and warn of possible abuses by restricting freedoms. It is of interest to the regulatory authorities of the Andean countries because, among other reasons, this is the Latin American region where the pandemic quickly reached high levels and health systems were overwhelmed. The methodology is qualitative, descriptive and relational through content analysis of (1) statements by international organizations and experts, and government regulations, (2) actions by Ibero-American regulators, and (3) publications in social media. The recommendations provided by foreign institutions coincide with the premises that motivated the creation of the regulatory bodies. National regulations welcome debates on pluralism, diversity and the right to communication, so there is no lack of legal precedent or public structures. In the construction of balances between controlling the pandemic, economic recovery and maintaining guarantees, what is urgent is to implement the regulations designed with the participation of citizens.