Background Information
In North Korea, the internet is heavily censored and restricted. There is only one official North Korean ISP, called KoreaNet, that is only available to a select few. This ISP is operated by the North Korean government to control the flow of information into North Korea. Internet access is extremely limited and strictly monitored by the government, with websites blocked, content filtered and searches monitored.
North Korea is one of the few countries that has no external internet access. For the few elites within North Korea that have access to the internet, it is restricted to the intranet, which contains state-run websites and information. This intranet is the only real source of information for the North Korean citizens, and it primarily serves as a way to spread propaganda from the North Korean government.
Relevant Data
According to a recent report from the United Nations, it is estimated that only 2 percent of the North Korean population actually has access to the internet. This number is incredibly low compared to other countries, which tend to have 50 to 70 percent of their populations connected to the internet. It is estimated that the internet in North Korea has around 5,500 websites, , with the vast majority of these sites serving as propaganda outlets for the North Korean government.
While North Korea has the world’s lowest internet penetration, it has been increasing in recent years. According to a recent survey, the North Korean internet penetration rate increased by as much as 20 percent since 2011. This is attributed to the North Korean government’s attempts to modernize the country’s technology infrastructure.
Perspectives From Experts
Experts argue that the internet in North Korea is used as a tool for the government to control the population. By having control over the internet, the government is able to manipulate public opinion, control the flow of information, and spread propaganda. As such, experts argue that the internet in North Korea is far from free, and the ability to access the internet is incredibly limited.
Another area of consensus among experts is that the internet in North Korea is used for surveillance purposes. The government has set up an elaborate system of monitoring and tracking internet usage by citizens. As a result, North Korean citizens who attempt to access any type of “forbidden” content or information risk severe punishment.
Insights and Analysis
Despite the North Korean government’s attempts to control the flow of information in and out of the country, the internet is still a potential source of information for North Korean citizens. With the advancement of technology, citizens are able to access and share content through external websites, such as YouTube, Facebook and Twitter.
However, access to these websites is still difficult due to the North Korean government’s strict regulations on who can access the internet. Additionally, most North Korean citizens do not have the resources needed to access the internet, meaning that only a select few citizens are actually able to access these external websites.
Impact of Internet on Society
Despite the limited access to the internet, the availability of internet access has had an impact on North Korean society. For those with access to the internet, they are able to connect with the outside world and learn more about the world at large. This can lead to a more informed population and can potentially pave the way for a more open society.
Additionally, the internet has become a tool for North Korean citizens to express their opinions and share their experiences. This has allowed citizens to learn about and discuss important issues that were previously not talked about in North Korea, such as human rights and democracy. However, this freedom of expression does come with its own risks, as citizens who express dissident opinions can be punished or even jailed by the government.
Barriers to Adoption
The adoption of internet technology in North Korea has been slow due to several factors. The government’s control over the internet has been a major hurdle, as citizens are unable to access certain websites and information, often due to censorship. Additionally, a lack of funding and resources has prevented North Korea from investing in and developing internet infrastructure.
The cost of access to the internet is also a major barrier, as many North Koreans are unable to afford the relatively expensive cost of accessing the internet in North Korea. Furthermore, the low level of internet literacy in North Korea has prevented citizens from taking full advantage of the internet, as many North Koreans are unaware of how to access and use the internet.
Role of International Community
The international community has an important role to play in the development of internet access in North Korea. International organizations, such as the United Nations, have urged North Korea to open up to the internet and to provide citizens with greater access. Additionally, some international organizations have provided funding for internet access and development, providing further support for internet access in North Korea.
However, some experts argue that the international community has not done enough to promote internet access in North Korea. They argue that much more needs to be done to ensure that the North Korean citizens have access to the internet. Additionally, experts urge the international community to focus on educating citizens on how to use the internet and improve their internet literacy.
Impact on Economic Development
The availability of internet access in North Korea could have a significant impact on the country’s economic development. Through the internet, North Korea would be able to access new markets, as well as knowledge and technology from around the world. This could potentially lead to a more prosperous future for North Korea, as greater access to the internet would bring more opportunities for economic growth.
Furthermore, greater access to the internet could also lead to increased investment in North Korea’s technology infrastructure. Currently, North Korea has one of the weakest IT infrastructures in the world, and this is a major hurdle for economic development. With increased access to the internet and the development of a more advanced IT infrastructure, North Korea could improve its economic prospects and become an attractive destination for investment and new businesses.
Social Media Use
Social media use in North Korea is very low, with estimates suggesting that only a few thousand North Koreans actually use social media sites, compared to millions in countries such as South Korea. This is mainly due to the fact that access to the internet is very limited and social media sites are heavily censored. However, there is evidence to suggest that the recent increase in access to the internet has led to more North Koreans using social media.
Some experts have argued that the use of social media could be a way to engage with North Korean citizens and help to promote the understanding between North Korea and the rest of the world. By having more North Koreans access and use social media, they could share their experiences and opinions with the rest of the world. Additionally, North Korean citizens could use social media to learn more about the outside world and this could lead to more open and informed discussions between North Koreans and the international community.
Diaspora Communities
The diaspora communities of North Korea can play an important role in promoting access to the internet in North Korea. Many of these diaspora communities are well connected to the outside world and have access to resources and technology that are not available in North Korea. As such, they can provide valuable support and resources to help North Koreans gain access to the internet and learn how to use it.
Furthermore, many of these diaspora communities are comprised of North Koreans who still have family and friends in North Korea. As a result, they can use their personal networks to help spread information about internet access and make sure that important information is getting back to North Korea.
Innovations in Technology
As North Korea continues to open up to the internet, there have been a number of innovations in technology that have allowed North Koreans to access the internet. These include the use of end-to-end encryption technologies such as Tor, VPNs, and proxy servers, which allow North Koreans to access external websites and bypass internet censorship. Additionally, there have been a number of tools developed to help North Koreans access blocked websites and content, such as the Hermit Browser.
However, the use of these technologies is still relatively low in North Korea, as most North Koreans are still unaware of these options and do not have the resources to access them. As such, more outreach and education is needed to make sure North Koreans are aware of these technologies and how to use them.
Government Policies
The North Korean government has implemented a number of policies to control the flow of information in and out of the country. These include limiting access to external websites, censoring content, and monitoring the activities of citizens online. Additionally, the government has implemented a nationwide network of cyber defense forces to prevent the spread of “subversive” content.
Moreover, the government has implemented a number of restrictions on citizens’ ability to access the internet, including limits on the type of content that can be accessed and the amount of time citizens can spend online. Additionally, the government has instituted strict punishments for those who attempt to access unapproved websites or share “subversive” content.
Conclusion
Overall, the internet in North Korea is heavily censored and restricted. Only a small percentage of the population actually has access to the internet, and those who do have access face a number of restrictions and censorships. The international community has urged North Korea to open up to the internet and grant its citizens greater access, however more needs to be done to ensure that the North Korean citizens have access to the internet and that they are able to make use of it.
