Background Information
As of 2021, North Korea has one of the most restricted and oppressive Internet networks in the world. Internet access is only accessible to a small percentage of the population, namely high-ranking government officials and other trusted members. Moreover, domestic websites are accessible and are heavily monitored by the government. Even though citizens are able to access outside websites, they cannot view content such as YouTube, which is seen as promoting outside values, ideologies and beliefs that contradict those of the governing regime.
In 2020, the government of North Korea declared that all outside websites, including YouTube, are illegal. The largest website in the world is currently inaccessible to people living in North Korea due to the government’s strong stance against communism and foreign influence. YouTube videos contain vast amounts of educational and entertaining content, both from North Korea and other countries, and therefore are seen as a threat by North Korea’s leadership.
Relevant Data
In 2018, the North Korean government actively blocked the websites of all major media organizations, such as BBC, CNN, and other global news outlets. Furthermore, the government has increased its level of censorship, allowing internet access to only a handful of approved websites, such as government-run sites, academic sites, non-profit sites and state-controlled media outlets. In addition to YouTube, other popular websites are blocked, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google, and Wikipedia.
In recent years, North Korea’s government has implemented powerful tools for censorship and surveillance of the internet. This includes strong encryption, DDoS protection and IP blocking as well as a sophisticated system for monitoring and controlling access to foreign websites. As a result, North Koreans are only able to access a limited selection of websites approved by the government.
Experts’ Perspectives
Experts believe that the North Korean government’s decision to block YouTube is likely motivated by its fear of foreign influence. The internet is seen as a source of outside values, ideologies and beliefs, and any exposure to such content could lead to a questioning of the government’s authority and stability. YouTube also offers a platform for individuals to showcase their opinions and opinions differ greatly from those of the North Korean regime.
Another major reason for the ban on YouTube is censorship. North Korea’s leadership is wary of exposing its citizens to critical or sensitive content, such as anti-government sentiment or criticism of the North Korean regime. By banning YouTube, the government can not only prevent its citizens from accessing such content, but also protect itself from the potential backlash that could result from such perspectives.
Analysis
The majority of the North Korean population is cut off from the outside world, and the ban on YouTube prevents them from accessing videos of other countries and cultures, as well as information about issues in other parts of the world. This lack of knowledge and understanding can hinder the population’s development and progress, as well as their ability to form opinions on global and political issues.
Moreover, YouTube provides an opportunity for individuals to create and share content that expresses their ideas, opinions, stories and experiences, and this freedom cannot be exercised in North Korea. The ban on YouTube eliminates the possibility of generating discussion and debate and prevents individuals from questioning the government’s strict policies and regulations.
Overall, it is apparent that the North Korean government’s decision to ban YouTube is primarily motivated by fear and censorship. From an outsider’s perspective, this decision is greatly limiting and damaging for the population, as it restricts their access to information and ability to express themselves freely.
Social Impacts
The ban on YouTube has significantly impacted North Korean citizens’ social lives. For example, North Koreans cannot take part in online cultural exchanges, as they have limited access to content from other cultures. Furthermore, they cannot view online educational resources, such as tutorials and lectures, which are abundant on the platform. This hinders the population’s intellectual growth, particularly of younger generations.
In addition, North Koreans cannot experience the same level of connectivity, collaboration and support that other YouTube users enjoy. Without YouTube, North Korean citizens cannot connect with family or friends abroad, as international streaming is blocked. They also cannot join online communities or take part in discussion forums to discuss topics of interest.
Political Impacts
The North Korean government’s decision to ban YouTube has had a significant impact on the country’s political and social landscape. By blocking access to the platform, the government has eliminated a platform for individuals to voice their opinions and views. As a result, the population is unable to question the government’s policies and regulations, or engage in conversations about sensitive topics, such as human rights and international relations.
Furthermore, YouTube has been used as a powerful tool to spread awareness and information on human rights violations in North Korea. Without access to the platform, the public cannot access such content, and those who do cannot share it beyond their own networks. This limits the reach of information on human rights violations, preventing their full recognition in the international community.
Economic Impacts
The ban on YouTube has also had a negative impact on North Korea’s economy. North Korean citizens cannot access educational resources, such as tutorials and lectures, which may be essential for their professional progression. Moreover, entrepreneurs in the country are unable to use YouTube as a platform to promote their businesses, as the platform is blocked by the government.
In addition, the ban on YouTube prevents the population from taking part in global conversations and exchange of ideas. As a result, North Koreans are unable to benefit from the wealth of knowledge that is shared on the platform, and lack the tools necessary to compete economically on the international stage.
Cultural Impacts
The ban on YouTube has a direct effect on North Korea’s cultural landscape. YouTube is home to many videos dedicated to different cultures, providing viewers with an opportunity to learn about different cultures and lifestyles. By banning the platform, the North Korean government has shut off this source of education and limited the population’s understanding and appreciation of other cultures.
Furthermore, the platform is an invaluable source of music and entertainment content, which North Koreans are unable to access. By limiting access to YouTube, the North Korean government has restricted its population’s access to the world’s cultural heritage and deny them the opportunity to experience other cultures and customs.
