Advancing AI Capabilities in North Korea: A Strategic Investment
A recent study reveals North Korea’s active pursuit of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning across diverse sectors, including responses to COVID-19, nuclear reactor safety, wargaming simulations, and government surveillance. Despite international sanctions, the country is determined to acquire the latest technology, according to Hyuk Kim from the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies.
Kim’s report, released through the 38 North project, emphasizes North Korea’s strategic view of recent AI and machine learning developments as essential for bolstering its digital economy. The study highlights collaborations between AI researchers and foreign scholars, indicating a global dimension to the nation’s technological pursuits.
Seoul’s intelligence agency notes signs of North Korean hackers employing generative AI for target identification and technology acquisition, though there’s no evidence of its use in cyberattacks. The National Intelligence Service is actively monitoring this situation, recognizing the potential cybersecurity implications.
Establishment of AI Research Institute and Commercial Ventures
North Korea’s commitment to AI is evident through the establishment of the Artificial Intelligence Research Institute in 2013 and the promotion of commercial AI products by various companies in recent years. This signals a noteworthy stride despite strict restrictions on communications technology in the authoritarian state.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, North Korea applied AI to create models for proper mask usage and prioritizing clinical symptoms. Furthermore, AI has been explored for maintaining the safety of nuclear reactors, especially pertinent with the recent operation of a new reactor at the Yongbyon nuclear complex.
The development of AI capabilities in presents challenges, as Kim outlines. The pursuit of wargaming simulation programs using machine learning reflects intentions to comprehend operational environments against potential adversaries. Ongoing collaborations with foreign scholars raise concerns within the context of existing sanctions, adding a layer of complexity to the evolving landscape of AI development in North Korea.
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