Behind the Closed Web: North Korea and Russia Weave Information Corridors" (2017-present)

Behind the Closed Web: North Korea and Russia Weave Information Corridors" (2017-present)

North Korea's Internet access environment is one of the most severely restricted in the world. Access to the global Internet is in principle impossible for ordinary citizens, and they use a domestic-only intranet called "Gwangmyong. Only government-approved information circulates on this intranet, and information exchange with the outside world is cut off.

However, behind the strict restrictions, international Internet connectivity does exist: prior to 2017, North Korea had only one external Internet connection, through China Unicom of China. But in October of that year, Russia's state-owned telecommunications company TransTeleCom provided a new line, creating the first "redundant communication channel" for North Korea. This line was made possible by optical fiber laid through the "DPRK-Russia Friendship Bridge" connecting Russia and North Korea.

The opening of this Russian line went beyond merely diversifying communications. By using it as a backup line, North Korea has increased its defenses against external cyberattacks and blockages, especially when the Chinese line was subjected to a DDoS attack in 2017, the Russian line reportedly served as an important alternative.

In addition, this new network could also serve as a foundation to support North Korea's cyber capabilities, particularly hacking and intelligence-gathering techniques. The strengthening of North Korea's communications infrastructure with Russia has also been touted as a technological foothold for sanctions evasion and is seen as a sign that North Korea is becoming less dependent on China.

Changes in telecommunications technology have spilled over into other areas as well: in July 2024, North Korea switched its state broadcasting satellite relay from China's ChinaSat 12 to Russia's Express 103. This is another symbol of the strengthening of ties with Russia, and it highlights the composition of North Korea's approach to Russia in the field of information and telecommunications.

However, behind such international connections, the actual use of the Internet is limited to government officials and research institutes. The use of the Internet is accompanied by a monitor, who records the content of browsing every five minutes and verifies fingerprints. The Internet is not an open and free space, but rather a tightly controlled cage under the control of the authorities.

In this way, North Korea is attempting to reconcile its independence as a nation with increased surveillance in a contradictory structure of closed communications and connection to the outside world. The new connection with Russia is one of the keystones of this strategy.