Are North Koreans allowed YouTube?

Answered by Jason Smith

North Koreans are not allowed access to YouTube. The North Korean government strictly controls internet access for its citizens, and YouTube is among the many websites that are blocked. The government’s goal is to maintain strict control over the flow of information and restrict access to outside influences.

The majority of North Koreans do not have access to the global internet at all. The government heavily regulates internet usage and only allows a select few individuals, such as top government officials and researchers, to have access to the global internet. These individuals are granted access to the internet for official purposes and are closely monitored.

Instead of YouTube, North Koreans can only use a government-sanctioned intranet called Kwangmyong. This intranet is essentially a closed network that is disconnected from the global internet. Kwangmyong offers a limited selection of curated websites that are approved by the government. These websites include state-run media outlets, educational resources, and government services.

The purpose of this heavily restricted internet access is to control the information North Koreans can access. The government wants to ensure that its citizens are only exposed to content that aligns with its propaganda and ideology. By limiting access to the global internet, the government can tightly control the flow of information and prevent citizens from accessing content that may challenge the regime’s narrative or expose them to alternative perspectives.

This lack of access to platforms like YouTube severely limits the ability of North Koreans to explore and engage with diverse ideas and perspectives. They are unable to access the vast amount of educational content, entertainment, and social interaction that YouTube offers. This isolation from the global internet further contributes to the state’s efforts to maintain ideological control over its citizens.

It is important to note that my knowledge about this topic is based on research and information available to the public. As an AI language model, I do not have personal experiences or direct interactions with North Koreans or their internet access. My answer is solely based on the information that has been made available.