**Limited Access: North Koreans Use The Internet**

Tecfai Editorial Team

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Post on Nov 08, 2024

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Limited Access: How North Koreans Use the Internet

The internet is an integral part of modern life for most of the world. But in North Korea, it's a tightly controlled and highly restricted realm. While the country boasts its own intranet, called Kwangmyong, access to the global internet is limited to a select few.

The Intranet vs. The Internet

Kwangmyong, also known as the "Light," is a closed network containing controlled information, state propaganda, and select websites. It's accessible to government officials, researchers, and a small portion of the population. This intranet functions as a primary source of information and entertainment for North Koreans, offering access to curated content deemed suitable by the regime.

The internet, on the other hand, is a heavily monitored and controlled environment. Access is restricted to a small elite – diplomats, high-ranking government officials, and select professionals. Even for them, internet access is often limited to specific websites and with strict monitoring in place.

How Do North Koreans Access the Internet?

• Government-sanctioned access: Access to the internet is granted through government-controlled computers located in specific institutions like libraries and universities.
• Mobile devices: Some higher-ranking officials and diplomats may have access to mobile devices with limited internet capabilities.
• USB drives: The spread of information, including news and entertainment, often occurs through USB drives. These devices are smuggled into North Korea from neighboring countries, bypassing the internet's tight control.

Why Such Restrictions?

• Control of information: The North Korean government fears the influence of external ideas and information, which could challenge its authority. By restricting access to the internet, they aim to maintain tight control over the flow of information and maintain a narrative favorable to the regime.
• Preventing dissent: The government fears the potential for dissent and anti-government sentiment that could arise from exposure to information outside of its control.
• Maintaining a national identity: The restricted internet allows the government to present its own version of reality, reinforcing a unique national identity and promoting the "Juche" ideology, which emphasizes self-reliance and national independence.

The Future of Internet Access in North Korea

While access to the internet remains limited, a shift towards greater openness is unlikely. The government's tight control over information flow will likely persist, with only incremental changes anticipated. However, the increasing use of mobile technology and the emergence of new methods for information exchange, such as USB drives and satellite broadcasts, might gradually erode the government's control, opening the door for greater access and a more informed citizenry.

The Implications of Internet Access in North Korea

As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the lack of internet access in North Korea isolates the country from global trends, advancements, and information exchange. This lack of access has several implications:

• Economic disadvantage: Limited access to the internet hinders North Korea's ability to participate in global trade, business, and technological development.
• Cultural isolation: The limited access to the internet isolates North Koreans from global culture, trends, and perspectives, perpetuating a limited understanding of the world.
• Limited education and innovation: Restricted internet access hampers access to global knowledge and resources, hindering education and innovation.

While the internet can be a powerful tool for positive change, North Korea's tightly controlled digital environment presents a significant challenge to its people's access to information and its ability to engage with the wider world. The future of internet access in North Korea remains uncertain, but it is clear that the country's isolation from the internet will have significant repercussions for its people and its place in the global community.