38 North reports that North Korea is installing Chinese surveillance cameras, collecting biometric data, and using digital surveillance to tighten control and promote loyalty to the regime.

North Korea is installing Chinese surveillance cameras in schools and workplaces, and collecting biometric data such as fingerprints and photographs from its citizens, according to a report by 38 North. The state's growing use of digital surveillance, which combines imported Chinese equipment with domestically developed software, poses a threat to private activities, foreign media access, and secret criticism of the government. Despite challenges like poor electricity supplies and low network connectivity, North Korea's digital ambitions aim to tighten control and promote loyalty to the regime.

April 16, 2024
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