North Korea and Censorship
North Korea has become increasingly isolated from the rest of the world after the ending of the Korean War in 1958. Since then, the North Korean government has been utilizing its right of internet sovereignty to infantilize and alter its citizens. In this essay I will expose how North Korean government officials inhumanely censor it’s internet, telephone, television and radio use to maintain national security, keep political stability and to impose specific traditional social values.
Developed states in the world, such as the United States and Europe, have access to a myriad of technological platforms that contain information which is easily used as liberation for citizens. Alternatively, repression through technology …show more content…
For example, in North Korea there are two different internets -- one is the internet as citizens of the free world are associated with and the other is a censored version of the internet. North Korea’s censored internet is called Kwangmyong, containing around 29 approved websites as well as an email function. In the eyes of Kim Jong-un and the North Korean government Kwangmyong helps, “to disseminate criticism of the government, locate potential allies, and coordinate public protests,” (Gramont). In many countries liberation technology is used to promote non-violent globalized protest and revolution as we discussed in our week two lecture two. In addition, all internet must be filtered through the Korea Computer Center before it reaches even the highest officials. The KCC scrutinizes information before allowing it to be displayed on Kwangmyong to ensure it is appropriate information that can be spread. Access to the regular internet is very limited to Korean’s most esteemed government officials, while censored versions are offered to the few Korean citizens who can afford Kwangmyong and have obtained the licence required to purchase a computer. I, as well as the UN Human Rights Council which was discussed in our week two lecture two, believe that stream of information and social platforms that the internet creates is a basic …show more content…
For example, North Korea has four state-run television channels: the Korean Central Broadcasting Station, Pyongyang FM Broadcasting Station, Pyongyang Broadcasting Station and Voice of Korea. These four stations oftentimes play repeated monotonous government mandated North Korean news for the citizens. Through intense investigation The Central Intelligence Agency has determined that, “the Korean Workers' Party owns and operates the Korean Central Broadcasting Station,” (Central Intelligence Agency) censoring and monitoring the channel’s daily agenda. This channels are often comprised of current propaganda for Kim Jong-un and other government officials whilst praising the amazing work they are doing for the country. In addition, the most widely used form of broadcasting is the use of government regulated radio. Much like television usage the radio of North Korea is also intensely controlled and aims towards demolishing personal opinions of North Korean citizens. It is illegal throughout the country to listen to anything other than the state-run stations, and any removal of the official seal places on the radios can result in jailing. Citizens must receive special permission by government officials to purchase a government inspected radio, although radios with “outside frequences” are
North Korea has become increasingly isolated from the rest of the world after the ending of the Korean War in 1958. Since then, the North Korean government has been utilizing its right of internet sovereignty to infantilize and alter its citizens. In this essay I will expose how North Korean government officials inhumanely censor it’s internet, telephone, television and radio use to maintain national security, keep political stability and to impose specific traditional social values.
Developed states in the world, such as the United States and Europe, have access to a myriad of technological platforms that contain information which is easily used as liberation for citizens. Alternatively, repression through technology …show more content…
For example, in North Korea there are two different internets -- one is the internet as citizens of the free world are associated with and the other is a censored version of the internet. North Korea’s censored internet is called Kwangmyong, containing around 29 approved websites as well as an email function. In the eyes of Kim Jong-un and the North Korean government Kwangmyong helps, “to disseminate criticism of the government, locate potential allies, and coordinate public protests,” (Gramont). In many countries liberation technology is used to promote non-violent globalized protest and revolution as we discussed in our week two lecture two. In addition, all internet must be filtered through the Korea Computer Center before it reaches even the highest officials. The KCC scrutinizes information before allowing it to be displayed on Kwangmyong to ensure it is appropriate information that can be spread. Access to the regular internet is very limited to Korean’s most esteemed government officials, while censored versions are offered to the few Korean citizens who can afford Kwangmyong and have obtained the licence required to purchase a computer. I, as well as the UN Human Rights Council which was discussed in our week two lecture two, believe that stream of information and social platforms that the internet creates is a basic …show more content…
For example, North Korea has four state-run television channels: the Korean Central Broadcasting Station, Pyongyang FM Broadcasting Station, Pyongyang Broadcasting Station and Voice of Korea. These four stations oftentimes play repeated monotonous government mandated North Korean news for the citizens. Through intense investigation The Central Intelligence Agency has determined that, “the Korean Workers' Party owns and operates the Korean Central Broadcasting Station,” (Central Intelligence Agency) censoring and monitoring the channel’s daily agenda. This channels are often comprised of current propaganda for Kim Jong-un and other government officials whilst praising the amazing work they are doing for the country. In addition, the most widely used form of broadcasting is the use of government regulated radio. Much like television usage the radio of North Korea is also intensely controlled and aims towards demolishing personal opinions of North Korean citizens. It is illegal throughout the country to listen to anything other than the state-run stations, and any removal of the official seal places on the radios can result in jailing. Citizens must receive special permission by government officials to purchase a government inspected radio, although radios with “outside frequences” are