Cyber Panopticon : How North Korea Violates Human Rights Through Digital Surveillance

Abstract

Authoritarian regimes are increasingly leveraging digital tools to tighten control over populations, with North Korea serving as a prominent example of this trend. This study adopts a qualitative approach to investigate how North Korea implements digital authoritarianism and how these technologies exacerbate human rights violations. By examining practices such as biometric surveillance and AI-driven monitoring, the study assesses their impact on human rights. The paper offers policy recommendations, including targeted sanctions on technology suppliers and initiatives to expand access to uncensored information for North Koreans. The findings highlight the urgent need for coordinated international action to address the challenges posed by digital authoritarianism in North Korea and its far-reaching global implications.