North Korean Internet Access: How It Works

2 min read 08-11-2024

North Korean Internet Access: How It Works

North Korea is known for its strict control over information and communication, which extends to its internet access. Understanding how the internet works in this isolated country reveals a unique and highly controlled digital landscape.

The Structure of Internet Access in North Korea

1. Intranet vs. Internet

North Korea primarily operates its own intranet, known as Kwangmyong. This domestic network allows access only to a limited number of state-approved websites. Here are some key aspects:

Kwangmyong: Accessible only within the country, it provides a very small selection of government-sanctioned content. Users cannot access the global internet.
Global Internet Access: A handful of high-ranking officials and select organizations have limited access to the global internet, but this is heavily monitored and restricted.

2. Internet Infrastructure

North Korea’s internet infrastructure is rudimentary compared to the global standard:

Bandwidth Limitations: The country has extremely limited bandwidth, which impacts the speed and accessibility of any information.
Physical Connections: North Korea's internet is primarily connected to the outside world via a single international line, which is controlled by the state.

Regulation and Control

1. Government Surveillance

The North Korean government exercises tight control over all forms of communication, including:

Monitoring Online Activity: Internet usage is heavily monitored, with officials tracking online activity of those who are permitted to access the internet.
Content Filtering: The state filters content to prevent access to foreign information, news, and views that could undermine the regime's authority.

2. Propaganda and Information Control

The content available on Kwangmyong is heavily skewed towards propaganda. Users only receive information that aligns with the government’s narrative, which includes:

State News Outlets: News is primarily disseminated through state-run media, reinforcing the government’s ideologies and policies.
Censorship of Dissenting Views: Any dissenting information or access to foreign media is strictly prohibited, with harsh penalties for those who violate these laws.

Conclusion

North Korean internet access is emblematic of the country’s overall approach to information control. With a highly restricted intranet, limited global access, and pervasive surveillance, the landscape of digital communication in North Korea is vastly different from that in most other nations. This isolation serves to maintain the regime’s power and limit the flow of information that could challenge its authority.

Understanding this structure highlights the challenges faced by the North Korean populace in accessing unfiltered information and the lengths to which the government goes to maintain its grip on power.