Technology

North Korea technology tells a story of contradictions — a state that bans the internet but smuggles GPUs, promotes digital payments but surveils every transaction, and pursues AI while restricting information flow. Daily NK tracks smartphone use, cyber operations, hacking campaigns, domestic tech development, and the regime’s push to harness technology for both economic gain and social control — reported through sources inside the country.

North Korea’s 4G launch: Pyongyang first in phased rollout

North Korea launched 4G mobile service in September 2023, but initially service was only available in a few major cities, including the capital of...

North Korea adds foreign exchange features to e-payment apps

North Korea is supporting foreign currency transactions by providing real-time exchange rate information through e-payment apps. The authorities appear intent on promoting the use...
apps

Exclusive: A rare look at North Korea’s official smartphone apps

Daily NK recently obtained smartphone apps operated by North Korean mobile carriers. North Korean citizens can subscribe to mobile services online through these apps,...

“Better safe than sorry”: N. Koreans avoid phone features despite lifted restrictions

North Koreans with mobile phones are deliberately avoiding video calls amid heightened government surveillance. Mobile users are shunning features like video calling and file...
smartwatches, china

Luxury smartwatches: North Korean youth’s new must-have accessory

Demand for luxury goods, particularly high-end Chinese-made smartwatches, is soaring among young North Koreans eager to show off their wealth. Business people peddling imported...

Unauthorized communication: North Korea targets USIM-enabled smartwatches

The North Korean government has launched a crackdown on smuggled Chinese-made smartwatches that can connect to Chinese mobile networks using USIM cards. Authorities are...

N. Korean workers forced to fund “pointless” tech offices

North Korean workers in Kyongwon county are being forced to fund upgrades to poorly run "technology distribution offices" after a recent party inspection found...
An AI-generated map of North Korea with cell phones and other devices.

North Korea inspects national e-payment infrastructure

As North Korea conducts a sweeping inspection of its e-payment system, the Pyongyang Information Technology Bureau has been leading inspections of computer networks and...
electronic, payments, north korea

Cash to Cards: North Korea’s rocky road to electronic finance

North Korean authorities have taken a number of measures to increase the use of debit cards and promote electronic payments and shopping since the...
The Eighth Plenary Session of the Ninth Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) was held at the headquarters of the party's Central Committee from Dec. 26 to 30, 2023, according to the Rodong Sinmun, the official newspaper of the Workers' Party of Korea.

N. Korea pushes for digitalization in the civilian economy

Chongjin authorities recently held a lecture on adopting digitalization and information technology to develop the civilian economy. Speaking on condition of anonymity, a Daily NK...

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