The North Korean regime is one of the few countries the world over to enforce an extreme internet ban on its citizens, with access to the World Wide Web almost completely denied. While it is hard to fathom why the DPRK (North Korea) is so unwilling to provide access to the internet, the answer may not be so clear cut. Internet access in North Korea is tightly monitored, limited, and accessible only to a select few officials. It is thought that the primary reason for the internet ban, is the government’s fear of outsiders discovering the extent of their various oppressive tactics.
In the immediate aftermath of the Korean War, North Korean leaders founded the Korean Workers’ Party, whose main goal was to spread communism and increase their control by forming a single-party state. Airwaves and access to the internet were among the first media outlets blocked, and citizens were prevented from forming any kind of external media contact. As technology advanced, so did Access controls, eventually leading to the complete internet ban currently observed in the DPRK.
A major reason why North Korea is so intent on controlling its citizens’ access to the web and foreign media, is its goal to shape the citizens’ worldview. North Korean leadership insists on the idea that “outside” idea or institutions are dangerous and potentially corrupting. With total media control, the North Korean leadership is able to continue to regularities “feed” the citizens certain centered and strategically cultivated beliefs in order to sustain their reign.
The few North Koreans granted access to the Chinese internet must purchase an expensive “intranet”. That “intranet” is heavily monitored by the government, with each of its citizens given a unique I.D. number which outlines their browsing activities and is used to track their search history. Even the few citizens granted access to the Chinese intranet, risk breaking the strict laws concerning access to information, and are prescribed an annual three month prison sentence for any illegal use.
In other words, the government in North Korea’s justification for an internet ban is to prevent citizens from accessing “dangerous” material, with the intent of protecting them from harm. North Korean leadership relies on the idea that by limiting access to the internet and foreign media, they can better protect their citizens from the dangers posed by outside influences. In practice, it is often difficult to measure the extent to which blocking access to information limits corruption or preserves peace of mind, making it hard to conclude definitively whether or not the internet ban in North Korea is beneficial or detrimental to its citizens.
The Impact of the Internet Ban in North Korea
Since North Korea’s strict internet regulations have gone into effect, the citizens of the DPRK have had to resort to a handful of workarounds to access the internet. One such measure is using an existing cable connection to China- into which North Koreans are able to connect by using their own antenna. However, this solution is not widespread, as any kind of foreign interference is strictly monitored and punished- making any kind of access to the web extremely risky.
The internet ban has had serious implications for how the citizens of North Korea interact with the world around them, as well as the kinds of opportunities made available to them. The lack of access to the internet has led to very limited options in terms of work and education opportunities. With no access to the web, citizens don’t have access to a global marketplace where they could search for jobs or find new ways to make money. In terms of education, North Koreans are denied access to foreign universities, books, newspapers and other media sources, making it difficult for them to keep up with international trends. In general, the internet ban has made it difficult for the citizens of North Korea to rise up in the world and to better their lives.
The Role of Outsiders
The internet ban in North Korea has sparked controversy around the world, with many people expressing their concerns over the violation of human rights. Despite this, not much has been done to ensure that North Korean citizens gain access to the world wide web. Outside intervention has been scarce, as North Korea is one of the most isolated countries in the world, and any kind of foreign interference is seen as an affront.
In recent years, the international community has stepped up its efforts to combat the oppressive nature of the North Korean government and its internet ban, with organizations such as the United Nations leading the charge. International leaders have called on North Korea to open up its internet and allow citizens access, giving particular attention to the ban’s impact on human rights.
Despite the international outcry, many experts remain skeptical that any real steps will be taken to ameliorate the internet ban. After decades of tightened control, many believe it will be difficult for the North Korean government to open up access to the internet, as doing so would mean giving up their grip on the citizens and possibly uncovering evidence of misconduct.
While it is clear that the internet ban in North Korea is a violation of human rights, there appears to be little that the international community can do to fix the problem. There are several reasons for why this might be the case, but the most likely explanation is that North Korea’s leaders are reluctant to give up their grip on the nation’s citizens and that they value their power more than they do the human rights of their subjects.
Attempts to Circumvent the Ban
Since the internet ban in North Korea went into effect, citizens of the country have become increasingly creative in their attempts to gain access to the world wide web- despite the harsh repercussions. The main method used to gain access has been through the use of illegal computer systems secretly connected to China’s network, although any use of the internet is risky and heavily monitored.
In addition, an increasing number of North Koreans have turned to the use of contraband smuggling networks to bring in USB drives and external hard drives pre-filled with movies, books, and documents from the outside world. This method is used to bring information into the country- which is then distributed among local networks.
North Koreans have also made use of apps located in the gray zone, or ‘over-the-top’ (OTT) services, which are designed to bypass North Korean security measures. Such apps are used to access foreign news sites and social media- mainly in hopes of staying connected to the outside world.
In recent years, a handful of North Korean hackers have even gained access to overseas network by setting up ‘ghost nets’ to bypass security. Although few in number, the idea of a North Korean hacker has become the subject of popular lore among those in the know.
The Impact of Sanctions on Internet Access
In recent years, the US and UN have imposed additional economic sanctions on North Korean cyber activities, as well as its ongoing nuclear weapons program. The US and UN have also implemented targeted restrictions on imports that could be used for information and communication technology (ICT), with the intent of limiting North Koreans’ access to the internet.
Critics of these sanctions argue that they do more harm than good, as they make it even more difficult for ordinary citizens to gain access the the web, and limit whatever limited avenues for outside contact remain. The sanctions also tighten the grip of the North Korean government, making it more difficult for citizens to bypass government protocols and connect to the internet.
Additionally, the sanctions limit the imports of certain technologies, including laptops and professional-grade computers and components, which prevents North Koreans from being able to access the web using home-made solutions. Therefore, the recent wave of US and UN sanctions has only served to further restrict access to the internet in North Korea, with experts predicting that the current wave of sanctions will make it even more difficult for North Koreans to gain access to the internet for the foreseeable future.
The Role Of NGOs
Despite the lack of outside intervention, some non-profit organizations have taken it upon themselves to try and provide North Koreans with access to the web. Private businesses and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have been working to bypass the North Korean government’s firewalls, by setting up networks through which North Koreans can connect to the outside world.
Organizations such as Hotwin Networks, which is located in Seoul, South Korea, have been instrumental in providing North Koreans with internet access, despite the government’s numerous restrictions. Through the use of smuggled technology, Hotwin Networks is able to provide North Koreans with access to the web, giving them access to news and the outside world.
Although Hotwin Networks is one of the few organizations working to provide North Koreans with access to the web, it is clear that international intervention is necessary if any meaningful change is to be achieved. Without an more interventional action from the global community, it is difficult to imagine a future with widespread internet access in North Korea.
