In this 21st century, where internet access is increasingly seen as a fundamental right, it might seem surprising that some countries still restrict their citizens’ access to the global network. However, the reality is that several nations continue to impose strict controls over the internet, often citing reasons such as maintaining political stability, protecting national security, or enforcing social values.

One of the most extreme examples is North Korea, where only a small fraction of the population has access to the internet, and even then, it is heavily censored and monitored by the government.

North Korea’s internet restrictions are part of a broader strategy to control information and maintain the regime’s grip on society. The country’s internal intranet, known as Kwangmyong, provides limited access to state-approved content, but it is not a substitute for the global internet.

This isolation is reinforced by strict laws that punish unauthorized access to foreign media, including owning unauthorized radios or TVs. For the majority of its 25 million citizens, the internet is an impossibility, with access reserved for high-ranking officials and foreigners under close surveillance.

The rules in North Korea extend far beyond digital restrictions. The country is known for its harsh legal system, where even minor infractions can lead to severe punishments. For instance, possessing pirated DVDs of South Korean TV dramas can result in years in labor camps.

Travel within the country is also heavily regulated, requiring official permission, and internal travel to major cities like Pyongyang is often restricted. These measures contribute to a society where freedom of information and movement is severely curtailed.

North Korea’s isolation from the global internet is a deliberate choice by its government to maintain control over its population.

The strict rules and surveillance that govern digital access are part of a broader framework of control that extends to all aspects of life in North Korea. While there are some exceptions for the elite and foreigners, for most North Koreans, the internet remains a distant dream, and the country continues to be one of the most isolated places on Earth.

North Korea’s extreme restrictions on internet access highlight the ongoing tension between the desire for global connectivity and governments’ efforts to maintain control over information.

As technology continues to evolve, the balance between access and control will remain a critical issue for governments and citizens alike. North Korea stands as a stark example of how a country can remain disconnected from the global digital landscape, even in the 21st century.