What North Korean Soldiers Can Access on the Internet

less than a minute read 09-11-2024

What North Korean Soldiers Can Access on the Internet

North Korea is known for its stringent controls over information and communication. The internet within the country is highly restricted, and this extends to its military personnel. Here’s an overview of what North Korean soldiers can access on the internet.

1. The Intranet: Kwangmyong

North Korea operates a domestic intranet called Kwangmyong. This network is isolated from the global internet and is accessible only within North Korea. Soldiers, like other citizens, can access a limited number of state-controlled websites. These sites provide:

State Propaganda: Articles and resources that promote the government’s ideology and achievements.
Educational Material: Resources for training and education, primarily focused on military and ideological content.
News: Updates from state-controlled media about domestic and international issues.

2. Limited Access to Information

While Kwangmyong provides a semblance of internet access, the range of information is narrow and heavily monitored. Soldiers do not have the ability to access the global internet, and any interaction is closely supervised.

2.1. Surveillance and Control

The North Korean regime employs strict surveillance measures, ensuring that all online activities can be tracked. Soldiers are likely subject to continuous monitoring to prevent any unauthorized access or communication with outsiders.

3. Communication Limitations

North Korean soldiers are typically restricted in their ability to communicate outside the country. This includes:

Email and Messaging: Access to these services is usually nonexistent, further isolating military personnel from the outside world.
Social Media: There are no available platforms for social networking as understood in other countries.

4. Educational and Training Resources

Despite the restrictions, the military uses Kwangmyong for training purposes:

Doctrinal Materials: Access to military tactics, strategies, and ideological teachings.
Technical Manuals: Resources specific to weaponry and technology used by the North Korean military.

5. Conclusion

In summary, North Korean soldiers have limited access to a tightly controlled intranet rather than the global internet. Their interactions are focused on propaganda, education, and military training, all under strict surveillance. The regime’s control over information serves to maintain ideological conformity and prevent the influence of foreign ideas and cultures.