Exploring the Digital Divide: Can North Koreans Access Quora or Use the Internet?

The question of whether North Koreans can access platforms like Quora or use the internet is a complex one, deeply rooted in the country's unique technological landscape and stringent regulatory framework.

Understanding North Korea's Internet Landscape

North Korea operates under an environment where internet access is highly restricted, primarily for high-level officials and controlled for strategic purposes. Anyone within its borders, unless they are considered privileged members of the government or are foreigners, has very limited access to the internet.

The country's internet infrastructure is minimal and highly controlled, serving primarily as a tool for surveillance, propaganda, and research. Even those who are permitted to use the internet are heavily monitored and directed to serve specific purposes, such as spreading state narratives or gathering intelligence.

The Intrusion of Kwangmyong: North Korea's Intranet

The most significant source of internet access within North Korea is the Kwangmyong, a national intranet system. This network is designed to serve internal needs, providing limited access to information and services that are deemed necessary for the state's operations. It is not connected to the global internet, ensuring that the country remains largely isolated from the broader digital world.

The Role of False Information in North Korea

Given the strict control over internet use, the state has established specialized departments focused on disseminating false information. These departments employ individuals who are thoroughly vetted and trusted to spread state narratives through various digital platforms. These individuals often use false identities and may even claim to be from different countries, making it difficult for the outside world to verify their identities.

Monitoring and Propaganda: A Daily Attempt

The individuals who are known to answer questions related to North Korea on platforms like Quora or other social media are often state-sanctioned representatives. These individuals typically portray a favorable view of North Korea and a highly critical view of other nations, particularly the United States. Their responses are carefully crafted to align with the state's narrative and to respond to any perceived threats or criticisms with imported facts or propaganda.

The Reality of Internet Access for North Koreans

It is virtually impossible for a citizen of North Korea to have internet access, unless they are a privileged member of the ruling elite. The broader population, most of whom are under constant surveillance, do not have the opportunity to use the internet for personal or leisure activities. Even attempting to access the internet is a hazardous endeavor, as any deviation from state-approved content could result in severe legal consequences, including public execution with family members.

One of the most striking illustrations of this was documented by Vice News. A visit to a North Korean computer lab revealed that while the lab appeared ordinary, the computers were idle, with users staring at screens. Interestingly, one individual was seen using Google, a Western software tool, albeit in a limited and monitored capacity. This faint glimpse into the inside reveals that even in the most controlled environment, some form of access exists, albeit in a highly restricted and monitored form.

Conclusion: The Brightness of String Theory Amidst Darkness

While the prospects of finding a Quoran in North Korea are slim, the presence of individuals engaged in advanced research, like theoretical physicists delving into string theory, demonstrates the hidden potential within the country. These individuals, like the computer user seen on Google, represent both a challenge to the status quo and a testament to the enduring curiosity and intellectual capability of North Korea's citizens.

Ultimately, the picture of internet access in North Korea is a complex and evolving one. While the state exercises strict control over digital life, signs of curiosity and intellectual pursuit persist in the most unexpected places, hinting at a broader spectrum of human experience that remains unseen but not altogether unexplored.