**First Look: North Koreans Explore The Web**

Tecfai Editorial Team

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Post on Nov 08, 2024

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First Look: North Koreans Explore the Web

The internet, once a realm of forbidden knowledge for North Korean citizens, is cautiously opening its doors. While access remains strictly controlled, a rare glimpse into the digital lives of North Koreans reveals a curious mix of curiosity, propaganda, and a yearning for connection with the outside world.

A Carefully Curated Digital World

North Korea's internet is not the free-flowing, boundless internet we know. It's a heavily censored, government-controlled intranet, known as "Kwangmyong," which translates to "bright." This digital space is primarily a tool for propaganda, education, and entertainment, curated to fit the regime's narrative.

What can North Koreans access on Kwangmyong?

• State-approved news websites and portals: These websites disseminate government-sanctioned information, glorifying the leadership and promoting North Korea's ideology.
• Educational resources: Limited access to educational materials, focused on science, technology, and history, with a strong emphasis on the nation's achievements.
• Entertainment: Local movies, music, and television programs designed to foster national pride and unity.

The Rise of Smartphones and Mobile Connectivity

The increasing availability of smartphones, coupled with 3G and 4G networks, has subtly shifted the digital landscape in North Korea. While internet access remains controlled, mobile phones are becoming more commonplace, offering a new avenue for communication and information.

Beyond Kwangmyong:

• Mobile apps: North Koreans are increasingly using mobile apps for daily tasks, such as banking, shopping, and accessing government services.
• Underground networks: Rumors suggest the existence of clandestine networks, connecting North Koreans to the global internet via VPNs and other technologies, although access remains highly restricted and risky.

A Window into the Unknown

The gradual opening of the internet to North Koreans, albeit under strict control, offers a unique opportunity to understand their perspectives and aspirations. While the digital world remains heavily censored, the limited access provides insights into the regime's information control and the growing curiosity of North Korean citizens about the outside world.

How does this impact North Korea?

• Propaganda and control: The controlled internet allows the government to disseminate its message and limit exposure to alternative viewpoints.
• Economic development: As internet access expands, North Korea seeks to leverage technology for economic growth and innovation, albeit within its own strict parameters.
• Social change: The growing use of smartphones and the internet could subtly influence North Korean society, introducing new ways of thinking and connecting, although the impact remains to be fully assessed.

The Future of the North Korean Internet

The future of internet access in North Korea remains uncertain. While the regime continues to tightly control information, the increasing use of smartphones and mobile networks suggests a gradual shift towards a more interconnected society. It remains to be seen how this evolving digital landscape will shape North Korean culture, politics, and society in the long run.