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North Korea Is Buying Chinese Surveillance Cameras In A Push To Tighten Control, Report Says

Published

7 months ago

2024-04-16

SEOUL, South Korea —According to a report released Tuesday, North Korea is installing surveillance cameras in schools and workplaces and collecting fingerprints, pictures, and other biometric information from its inhabitants as part of a technology-driven effort to further monitor its populace.

According to the researchers, the state’s increasing use of digital surveillance tools, which combine equipment imported from China with domestically developed software, threatens to erase many of the small spaces left for North Koreans to engage in private business activities, access foreign media, and secretly criticize their government.

North Korea Is Buying Chinese Surveillance Cameras In A Push To Tighten Control, Report Says

However, more electricity and better network access are necessary to advance the remote nation’s digital goals. According to the research released by the North Korea-focused website 38 North, these limitations, as well as a history of relying on human techniques to spy on its inhabitants, mean that digital surveillance is less widespread than in China.

The study’s findings are consistent with commonly held beliefs that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is increasing attempts to tighten state control over its populace and foster loyalty to his rule.

The COVID-19 pandemic bolstered these efforts, as the North implemented severe border controls that were maintained for three years before a cautious reopening in 2023.

Walls and electronic monitoring tools put up along the border with China during the outbreak are most likely helping the government crack down on foreign influence and imported media. New legislation and recent reports of harsher punishments indicate this.

“After seeing that it is possible to close the border so tightly, I believe they are now eager to keep it that way,” said Martyn Williams, an analyst who co-authored the report with Natalia Slavney.

The pandemic might have contributed to increased surveillance across the nation, but Williams believes that the rapidly falling cost of surveillance technology has played a much larger role.

The analysis evaluated North Korean surveillance technologies using information from local and foreign media coverage and publicly disclosed research at North Korean universities and governmental institutions. The researchers also stated that they interviewed 40 North Korean escapees about the surveillance they faced while living in the country and, through unspecified partners, surveyed 100 current North Korean residents in 2023 via phone, text messages, and other encrypted communication methods to ensure their safety.

North Korea Is Buying Chinese Surveillance Cameras In A Push To Tighten Control, Report Says

According to state media sources, video surveillance is increasingly ubiquitous in schools, businesses, and airports. The cameras are primarily purchased from Chinese manufacturers, ranging from simple video feeds to more complex versions with features such as facial recognition.

Experts have cautioned that China is selling the technology behind its AI-powered spying to other countries.

According to North Korean state media, cameras are now installed in most schools in the capital, Pyongyang, and other major cities. These cameras allow school staff to remotely monitor classroom activities by panning and zooming in on individual pupils or teachers.

Cameras are also widely utilized in factories, government buildings, and other workplaces to boost security and prevent theft, and facial recognition systems have been used to record visitors to Pyongyang’s Sunan airport since 2019.

According to the report, North Korea has also been expanding its traffic camera network beyond Pyongyang since 2021, deploying them on main routes leading into and out of the city, most likely to automatically record license plates.

The government may still need to fully utilize the data it collects, and it currently lacks an extensive network of security cameras in streets and residential areas, possibly due to power outages and many security agents already monitoring public life in Pyongyang and elsewhere.

However, North Korea appears to anticipate a future of more widespread video surveillance. According to the article, North Korean colleges and research institutions have spent years developing technologies for movement detection, facial recognition, and license plate identification.

Meanwhile, the state is creating complete biometric profiles for its inhabitants. The most recent edition of North Korean national identity cards is in a smartcard format and requires residents to supply fingerprints, facial pictures, and, according to one account, a blood test.

“For North Koreans, the development of CCTV means increased surveillance of their lives, especially if the cameras have automatic detecting systems. Citizens participating in illegal activities would be particularly vulnerable if such cameras become more widely deployed, as facial recognition could monitor their movements around cities,” Williams and Slavney stated.

North Korea Is Buying Chinese Surveillance Cameras In A Push To Tighten Control, Report Says

“At present, North Koreans who get caught in activities such as smuggling or distributing illegally imported goods and foreign content can bribe local security services, but, unlike humans, security cameras cannot be bribed,” the officials stated.

According to Williams, the government will try to expand its monitoring network beyond large cities as infrastructure improves. He said exploiting massive volumes of video data would still be difficult, but North Korea may learn from the neighboring surveillance state.

The most significant challenge is the computational infrastructure required to process all this data in real time. Doing so on a national or even provincial scale is difficult if the network is to be truly widespread and include many cameras,” Williams added. The country would have to construct a tiny data center and ensure a steady electricity supply. Itina can influence it, as it has a much more Orwellian digital monitoring network despite being a rather free society in general.

SOURCE – (AP)

Kiara Grace

Kiara Grace is a staff writer at VORNews, a reputable online publication. Her writing focuses on technology trends, particularly in the realm of consumer electronics and software. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for breaking down complex topics. Kiara delivers insightful analyses that resonate with tech enthusiasts and casual readers alike. Her articles strike a balance between in-depth coverage and accessibility, making them a go-to resource for anyone seeking to stay informed about the latest innovations shaping our digital world.

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News

Trudeau Accused of Sowing Divisions Between Sikhs and Hindus

Published

2 days ago

2024-11-06

Geoff Thomas

Pierre Poilievre, the Conservative Leader, has accused Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of sowing “divisions” that culminated in the violent altercation between Sikh separatists and Hindu devotees outside a Hindu temple in Brampton, Ontario.

Justin Trudeau initiated the question period by condemning Poilievre’s reticence regarding the violence in South Asian communities as “deafening.”

Poilievre refuted the assertion by accusing Trudeau of exploiting the matter to divert attention from domestic economic concerns.

“Consequently, he implements divisions in his residence.” Poilievre stated, “These divisions are the consequence of his actions.”

“Currently, sectarian riots are occurring on the streets of Brampton.” This has never occurred before the tenure of this prime minister. Is he accountable for the divisions he has incited and the ensuing violence?

Trudeau Must Assume Responsibility

Mr. Pierre Poilievre, the Conservative Leader, requested that the Prime Minister assume responsibility for the divisions and violence in Canada. In response, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau addressed Poilievre’s refusal to obtain security clearance to review foreign interference documents.

Trudeau, who has frequently employed a phrase in the question period recently, urged Poilievre to undergo the security clearance procedure to receive a briefing from Canada’s intelligence and security agencies regarding potential threats to the country.

Trudeau’s remarks exacerbate an already precarious police situation, which has the potential to further deteriorate the diplomatic relationship between Canada and India.

Police dispersed a second day of demonstrations outside a Hindu temple in Brampton, Ontario, on Monday. The temple has been the site of violent clashes that have resulted in arrests and a public safety alert.

During the Indian consular officials’ visit to the Hindu Sabha Mandir temple in Brampton on Sunday at midday, violence erupted.

Peel Regional Police issued a public safety alert on Monday evening regarding the presence of weapons at a demonstration near a Hindu temple in Brampton, Ont. The demonstration had been the site of violent clashes between demonstrators the previous day.

Canada India Tensions

Social media videos depict demonstrators holding banners in support of Pro-Khalistan separatism, a proposed independent Sikh homeland in northern India, and engaging in physical altercations with other individuals, some of whom are holding India’s national flag.

Later, an off-duty Sergeant of the Peel police in Brampton, Ontario, was identified as one of the pro-Khalistan protesters.

In the interim, the violence prompted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to make a rare comment during a period of escalating diplomatic tensions between the two countries.

“I unequivocally condemn the intentional destruction of a Hindu temple in Canada.” “The cowardly attempts to intimidate our diplomats are equally appalling,” he shared on social media.

No amount of violence will ever undermine India’s resolve. We anticipate that the Canadian government will maintain the rule of law and ensure justice.

Last September, Trudeau expressed that there were credible allegations that the Indian government was involved in the assassination of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada, which marked the beginning of the deterioration of relations between the two countries. India has vigorously denied the charge.

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Geoff Thomas is a seasoned staff writer at VORNews, a reputable online publication. With his sharp writing skills and deep understanding of SEO, he consistently delivers high-quality, engaging content that resonates with readers. Thomas' articles are well-researched, informative, and written in a clear, concise style that keeps audiences hooked. His ability to craft compelling narratives while seamlessly incorporating relevant keywords has made him a valuable asset to the VORNews team.

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News

Police Officer Suspended for Joining Pro-Khalistan Protest

Published

2 days ago

2024-11-06

Geoff Thomas

A Brampton, Ontario, police officer was suspended on Monday following the viralization of a video on social media that showed him participating in a pro-Khalistan protest outside a Hindu temple.

According to CBC News, the suspended Peel Regional Police officer, Harinder Sohi, was videotaped brandishing a Khalistan flag while other participants in the protest chanted anti-India slogans. He was not wearing a police uniform.

Sohi served as a Sergeant for the Peel Regional Police.

In an email to CBC News, Media Relations Officer Richard Chin informed the organization that it is “aware of a video circulating on social media that depicts an off-duty Peel Police officer participating in a demonstration.”

“This officer has since been suspended in accordance with the Community Safety and Policing Act,” according to him.

“We are investigating the circumstances in totality depicted in the video and are unable to provide further information until this investigation is complete.”

Peel Regional Police have previously stated that three individuals have been charged in connection with the violence that occurred during the visit of Indian consular officials to the Hindu Sabha Mandir temple on Sunday.

Social media videos appear to depict demonstrators holding banners in support of Khalistan, a proposed independent Sikh homeland in northern India, and engaging in a physical altercation with other individuals, some of whom are holding India’s national flag.

The videos appear to depict fist battles and individuals striking each other with poles on the grounds outside the Hindu Sabha Mandir temple.

According to Peel police, the event was ultimately relocated to two additional locations in the neighboring city of Mississauga, where additional demonstrations were also conducted.

Peel police acknowledged the protest on Sunday at noon and announced that they had increased their presence at the Hindu Sabha Mandir temple to preserve public safety and order.

“We acknowledge the right to peacefully and safely protest; however, we will not tolerate criminal activities or violence,” stated Chief Nishan Duraiappah in response to the videos’ dissemination.

“Those that do participate in this activity will be pursued, arrested, and charged.”

The violence elicited condemnations from Canadian political leaders at all levels of government and also prompted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to make a rare comment during a period of escalating diplomatic tensions between the two countries.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his concern regarding the “deliberate attack” and requested accountability from the Canadian government, which Justin Trudeau heads. He anticipated that the government would uphold the rule of law and ensure justice.

PM Modi expressed his strong condemnation of the deliberately targeted assault on a Hindu temple in Canada in a post on X. The contemptible endeavors to intimidate our diplomats are equally repulsive. No amount of violence will ever be able to undermine India’s resolve.

In the interim, the Minister of External Affairs (MEA) expressed its “profound concern” regarding the safety and security of Indian nationals in Canada, and it anticipates that those who engage in violence will be prosecuted.

The Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton, Ontario, was the site of violent acts committed by separatists and extremists yesterday. We condemn these actions. “We urge the Canadian government to guarantee that all places of worship are safeguarded from such attacks,” stated Randhir Jaiswal, the spokesperson for the MEA.

India Slams Trudeau Over Pro-Khalistani Sikhs Attack

India Slams Trudeau Over Pro-Khalistani Sikhs Attacking Canadian Hindus

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News

Pro-Khalistanis Sikhs Attack Hindu Temple in Brampton

Published

4 days ago

2024-11-04

Geoff Thomas

Pro-Khalistanis Sikhs, Hindu Temple, Brampton, Ontario

Pro-Khalistanis Sikhs attack Hindu Temple in Bramption Ontario.

Police in Brampton, Ontario, were summoned to the Hindu Temple after a group of pro-Khalistanis Sikhs attacked Hindu worshipers on Sunday. According to the Hindu Canadian Foundation, supporters of the Khalistaani movement in Canada helped to carry out the “attack.”

Following its posting on X, a video of the attack with demonstrators brandishing Khalistan flags at the Hindu Temple’s front entrance quickly became viral, inciting indignation among the Hindu community in Canada and India.

Chandra Arya, a Liberal MP from Canada, denounced the violence and claimed that under the country’s “freedom of expression,” extremists are getting away with it.

According to Arya, he began to think there might be some truth to the claims that Khalistanis have successfully infiltrated Canada’s law enforcement forces and political machinery.

Today, Canadian Khalistani fanatics have crossed a line. The attack by Khalistanis on Hindu-Canadian worshipers within the Hindu Sabha temple’s grounds demonstrates the extent and blatantness of Khalistani violent extremism in Canada.

In a post on X, he stated, “I start to believe that there is a sliver of truth in the reports that Khalistanis have successfully infiltrated not only our political apparatus but also our law enforcement agencies.”

It is understandable why Khalistani fanatics are receiving a free pass in Canada under the guise of “freedom of expression.” As I’ve been saying for a while, Hindu Canadians must stand up, defend their rights, and hold politicians responsible for the safety and security of our community,” he continued.

Peel Regional Police said they were aware of the demonstration in the city’s northeast and are investigating the situation.

The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms states, “We respect the individual right to protest, but it is still our duty and responsibility to maintain public order and ensure everyone’s safety. ” Therefore, we request the public’s help participating in and supporting a nonviolent and legal protest.

Peel police warned that any acts of violence, threats of violence, or vandalism would be looked into and said they would be more visible and present to keep an eye on the situation.

Taking his X account, Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown also conveyed his dissatisfaction after learning of the “acts of violence” outside the Hindu Sabha.

“In Canada, religious freedom is a fundamental virtue. In their house of worship, everyone ought to feel secure. Brown stated in his letter that he is “completely confident that Peel police will do everything in their authority to keep the peace and hold those accountable who commit acts of violence.” “I strongly condemn any acts of violence outside of a place of worship,” Brown added.

“The violence at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton was unacceptable,” Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also posted on X.

Every Canadian has the right to freely and securely follow their religion. “Swiftly responding to protect the community and investigate this incident” was how he praised the cops.

As Ottawa frequently rejected New Delhi’s demands for tough measures against Khalistani radicals in Canada, the incident took place during a time of poor relations between India and Canada. Instead, it sparked a huge diplomatic dispute by accusing India of targeting Khalistani people inside its borders.