Revista de la Mañana.Protesta digital y ética con repercusiones reales en el sector financiero

Abstract

The digital social movement "No al Grupo Aval" originated following a call on social media for a peaceful protest that included closing financial products held with Grupo Aval's banks and transferring pensions from Porvenir to Colpensiones. The Superfinanciera (Financial Superintendency) reacted to this viral trend by announcing criminal charges against the users on X (formerly Twitter) for alleged generation of economic panic. The controversy escalated when the Vice President of the Republic publicly supported these charges, asking the Prosecutor General's Office for swift action, which was interpreted by activists and political leaders as a violation of the right to free expression and a backing of a powerful economic group's interests over those of the citizens. This protest is fundamentally based on the indignation over the lack of consequences in corruption cases like Odebrecht and the questioned relationship between the Prosecutor General and Grupo Aval. Promoters consider the action of affecting the group's finances a legitimate and effective form of activism against the inefficacy of traditional political protests. Although the movement began digitally, it has moved into the real-world sphere with people closing their accounts. The activists, despite receiving threats on social media, defend the ethical, peaceful, and creative protest, urging citizens to exercise their right to free consumption and manifestation without resorting to physical violence or online hate