North Korea’s government has been forcing people to update the operating systems (OS) of their phones as part of efforts to prevent the spread of external information, Daily NK has learned.
Speaking on condition of anonymity for security reasons, a source in North Korea told Daily NK on Dec. 22 that the government’s efforts to update the OS of the country’s domestically produced smartphones started in June.
“People have had to update their phones at mobile phone service centers or mobile communication centers near their residences or workplaces,” the source said.
“Everyone has to get their phones updated,” she continued, adding: “The government has ordered everyone to update their phones by the end of December [2023].”
The source further explained that “phones with the updated operating system don’t allow users to send photos or lengthy videos by text message. Moreover, the digital signature system has been improved so that it is impossible for users to manipulate the operating system, install other systems, or view external [banned] information.”
Before the update, North Koreans could send photos or videos through text message. The new update, however, appears to completely prevent users from sharing most media files.
“The new operating system allows [government officials] to see all the records on people’s phones, including text messages,” the source said. “They can see whether you’ve uploaded any content or used any programs banned by the state.”
The OS update has also significantly improved the security system on the country’s mobile phones.
Although North Koreans were never allowed access to developer mode or USB debugging functions on their phones, it had been possible to connect phones to computers to exchange files.
Now, however, the digital signature system has been improved so that users now face more challenges in viewing external files, using system tampering programs, or installing and using other programs.
In short, North Korea’s government has placed the traditional strengths of smartphones – openness and scalability – under a total web of surveillance and control.
An even more draconian update planned for 2024
Going forward, North Korean authorities are planning to eliminate any and all ways phone users can install foreign programs on their phones, the source said.
“The recent [updated] operating system hasn’t achieved all of the criteria set out by the government [in terms of surveillance and control],” she said. “The leadership plans to carry out another update of operating systems nationwide by October [2024].”
She added: “The second update will ensure no apps or programs can be installed through any external terminals.”
Interestingly, North Korea’s government has made it abundantly clear to phone users that the goal of the update is to prevent non-socialist and anti-socialist activities by monitoring how people use their cell phones.
“The government is telling those who have completed the update that everything they do is being recorded, which enables the state to view their user history at any time,” the source said.
In other words, the government is warning people not to engage in illegal activities such as viewing or distributing foreign videos through their phones.
“From Jan. 1, if you are caught with a phone without the new operating system installed anywhere – including at work, on the subway, or at a bus station – your phone will be confiscated,” the source said. “The authorities have announced through all government, security and law enforcement agencies – along with neighborhood watch units – that you’ll face punishment after having your infraction reported to the political organization you’re affiliated with.”
Daily NK reported in August 2022 that North Korean authorities were planning to update the operating systems of all domestically produced mobile phones.
However, the government failed to make sufficient technical preparations for the update in 2022, so it was postponed until mid-2023. Phone users began to install the update in June 2023.
Since June, government officials made several announcements to phone users that they need to update their systems by the end of the year, warning them of consequences if they did not update their phones. This suggests that North Korea will intensify its surveillance and control over mobile phones in 2024.
Translated by Annie Eunjung Kim. Edited by Robert Lauler.
Daily NK works with a network of sources who live inside North Korea, China and elsewhere. Their identities remain anonymous due to security concerns. More information about Daily NK’s reporting partner network and information gathering activities can be found on our FAQ page here.
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