Censorship and Secrecy: The Dark Side of the North Korean Internet

TLDRNorth Korea tightly controls its internet, allowing only a select few elites to access the global internet. The state-run Kwangmyong intranet system is used by city dwellers, while rural residents are largely excluded. The North Korean internet is filled with propaganda and fake news to maintain control over citizens' minds. Accessing foreign content is strictly forbidden and can result in severe punishment, including execution. The government maintains a tight grip on information to shape the narrative and prevent any challenges to its authority.

Key insights

🚫North Korea tightly controls internet access, allowing only elites to use the global internet.

📰The state-run Kwangmyong intranet system is used by city dwellers, while rural residents have limited access.

Propaganda and fake news are pervasive on the North Korean internet to control citizens' beliefs.

🔒Accessing foreign content is strictly forbidden and can lead to severe punishment, including execution.

🌐The government tightly controls information to shape the narrative and prevent challenges to its authority.

Q&A

Can North Koreans access the global internet?

Only a select few elites, such as leading scientists or state-sponsored hackers, are granted access to the global internet.

What is the Kwangmyong intranet system?

The Kwangmyong intranet system is a state-run internet system used by city dwellers in North Korea. It is separate from the global internet and predominantly used for propaganda purposes.

Is there any foreign content accessible in North Korea?

No, accessing foreign content is strictly forbidden and can result in severe punishment, including execution.

Why does the North Korean government control internet access?

The government tightly controls internet access to maintain control over citizens' beliefs and prevent challenges to its authority.

How does the North Korean government shape the narrative on the internet?

The government fills the North Korean internet with propaganda and fake news to shape citizens' beliefs and maintain its control over the population.

Timestamped Summary

00:00North Korea tightly controls internet access, allowing only a select few elites to access the global internet.

00:20The state-run Kwangmyong intranet system is used by city dwellers, while rural residents have limited access.

01:00Propaganda and fake news are pervasive on the North Korean internet to control citizens' beliefs.

02:30Accessing foreign content is strictly forbidden and can lead to severe punishment, including execution.

08:22The government tightly controls information to shape the narrative and prevent challenges to its authority.