What country has the lowest internet usage?

The Digital Void: Why North Korea Has the World’s Lowest Internet Usage

In an era defined by ubiquitous connectivity, where smartphones are practically extensions of our limbs and the internet permeates almost every aspect of daily life, it’s easy to forget that the digital revolution hasn’t reached everyone. While much of the world grapples with debates about data privacy and the spread of misinformation, a starkly different reality exists in North Korea, the country with the world’s lowest internet usage.

Unlike many nations facing challenges in infrastructure or affordability, North Korea’s lack of internet access stems from a far more fundamental cause: stringent governmental control. The North Korean regime, under the iron fist of the Kim dynasty, views the open flow of information as a direct threat to its power and ideological control. As a result, access to the global internet is almost entirely prohibited for the general population.

This isn’t a matter of inadequate infrastructure or technological backwardness. While North Korea undoubtedly faces economic hurdles, the primary reason for its internet blackout is a deliberate policy of isolation. The government meticulously curates and filters all information entering and leaving the country. Citizens are largely restricted to a tightly controlled intranet, known as Kwangmyong, which offers a limited selection of state-approved websites and propaganda.

The consequences of this digital isolation are profound. North Koreans are denied access to a vast repository of knowledge, diverse perspectives, and the global community. The potential for education, innovation, and economic growth is severely hampered. More tragically, it reinforces a narrative perpetuated by the regime, limiting exposure to alternative viewpoints and reinforcing its grip on power.

While a select few, primarily high-ranking officials, government agencies, and researchers, may have access to the global internet, this access is heavily monitored and tightly regulated. For the vast majority of the population, the internet remains an abstract concept, a distant world they can only imagine.

North Korea stands as a stark reminder that access to the internet is not just about convenience or entertainment; it’s about access to information, freedom of expression, and participation in the global conversation. While the rest of the world continues to navigate the complexities of the digital age, North Korea remains trapped in a digital void, a testament to the enduring power of authoritarian control in the 21st century. The hope remains that one day, the people of North Korea will have the opportunity to join the interconnected world and experience the transformative power of the internet firsthand.