Fact Check: North Korea's Ministry of State Security Ordered Local Branches to Strictly Prevent the Distribution of USBs and Other Storage Devices on May 24, 2023
What We Know
The claim that North Korea's Ministry of State Security ordered local branches to prevent the distribution of USBs and other storage devices on May 24, 2023, lacks direct evidence from credible sources. However, it is important to note that North Korea has a long history of strict censorship and control over information dissemination. The government employs various methods to restrict access to foreign media and information, including the use of surveillance and censorship mechanisms (Censorship in North Korea).
Reports indicate that North Korea has previously implemented measures to control the flow of information, particularly through digital means. For instance, the regime has been known to use handheld signal detectors to crack down on unauthorized communication devices, which aligns with the broader context of information control in the country (North Korea deploys handheld signal detectors).
Analysis
While the claim about the specific order on May 24, 2023, is not substantiated by direct evidence, it is consistent with North Korea's established practices regarding information control. The regime's censorship policies are among the most severe globally, and it has been documented that the government actively works to prevent the spread of foreign media, including through the use of USB drives and other storage devices (Censorship in North Korea).
However, the reliability of the sources discussing North Korea's censorship practices can vary. For example, while academic and governmental reports provide a structured analysis of the regime's practices, anecdotal reports from defectors or non-governmental organizations may carry biases or lack verification. The lack of a specific source confirming the May 24 order raises questions about the accuracy of this claim.
The context of increasing digital surveillance and control in North Korea suggests that the government is likely to continue its efforts to restrict unauthorized information access, but without a reliable source confirming the specific date and order, the claim remains unverified.
Conclusion
Verdict: Needs Research
The claim that North Korea's Ministry of State Security ordered local branches to prevent the distribution of USBs and other storage devices on May 24, 2023, requires further investigation. While it aligns with known practices of censorship and control in North Korea, there is insufficient evidence to confirm the specific order or its implications. More reliable sources or direct documentation would be necessary to substantiate this claim.
