North Korea is intensifying its surveillance efforts by implementing surveillance cameras in schools and workplaces, as well as collecting biometric data such as fingerprints and photographs from its citizens. This move, driven by technology, aims to closely monitor the population and limit private activities.
The country's digital surveillance tools, a combination of Chinese imports and domestically developed software, threaten to diminish the limited spaces where North Koreans engage in private business, access foreign media, and criticize the government discreetly.
Despite these efforts, challenges such as poor electricity supply and low network connectivity hinder the full implementation of digital surveillance. The report suggests that North Korea's surveillance is not as pervasive as China's due to historical reliance on human spying methods.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is reportedly increasing control over citizens and promoting loyalty to the regime through these surveillance measures. The COVID-19 pandemic further facilitated the government's strict border controls, which have been in place for three years before a gradual reopening in 2023.
New laws and harsher punishments indicate a crackdown on foreign influence and imported media. The government has enhanced border security with fences and electronic monitoring systems along the Chinese border.
Surveillance technologies in North Korea include video cameras in schools, workplaces, and airports, sourced mainly from Chinese vendors. Facial recognition systems are used for security and monitoring purposes, with cameras increasingly present in schools, factories, and government buildings.
The government is expanding its network of traffic cameras beyond the capital, Pyongyang, to record license plates. While North Korea is still developing its surveillance capabilities, it envisions a future with more extensive video surveillance and biometric data collection.
Citizens are required to provide fingerprints, facial photographs, and potentially undergo blood tests for national identification cards. The proliferation of CCTV cameras poses a greater surveillance threat, especially with automatic detection systems that can track individuals engaged in illicit activities.
North Korea aims to enhance its surveillance network nationwide as infrastructure improves. The challenge lies in processing vast amounts of video data in real-time, drawing inspiration from China's advanced digital surveillance network.
