North Korea: Digital surveillance is increasing

While much of the surveillance carried out in North Korea is still being done by humans, mostly as part the notorious inminban neighborhood watch system, digital surveillance is increasingly being utilized, as a Stimson Center report published on 16 April 2024 shows.

World Watch Research analyst Thomas Muller comments: “Like all countries, North Korea is neither all-seeing nor all-hearing, but it is noteworthy that research on relevant technologies has been ongoing for years, and some equipment has even been exported. It is no surprise that neighboring China and its technological advances are a major inspiration. It is also important to realize that North Korea is not as backward as some would think, especially in the cities. One example is the growing relevance of smartphone-based payment systems.” 

Thomas Muller continues: “Whatever technological advances are made, state ideology remains unchanged. After a crackdown on North Korean citizens living in China in 2023, the Chinese authorities sent back some 600 people. According to a recently published report, those who had been trying to reach South Korea or who admitted interacting with Christians in China were then sent - ‘without exception’ - to political prison camps by the North Korean authorities (DailyNK, 24 April 2024). Meanwhile, the number of escapees actually reaching South Korea is still very low (NK News, 30 April 2024): According to the Ministry of Reunification in South Korea, a mere 47 escapees reached the country in the first quarter of 2024. While this is an increase compared to the first quarter of 2023, the number represents a decrease in comparison to October-December 2023 and is a far cry from pre-pandemic levels.”