A recent report sheds light on North Korea's bold push into artificial intelligence (AI) technology, which includes critical areas like COVID-19 response, nuclear energy, surveillance, and even war games (via Reuters).
The report, written by Hyuk Kim of the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies, emphasizes North Korea's strategic investment in strengthening its digital economy despite the challenges posed by international sanctions.
Sanctions Impact on AI Hardware Acquisition
The international sanctions imposed on North Korea, primarily for its nuclear weapons program, appear to have hampered the country's acquisition of AI hardware.
Kim's report emphasizes the challenges posed by these sanctions but also highlights North Korea's persistent pursuit of cutting-edge technology, indicating a determination to overcome these barriers - such as penetrating overseas IT workforce.
One intriguing aspect of North Korea's AI journey is its collaboration with foreign scholars, including those from China. The report reveals that some of North Korea's AI researchers have actively engaged in partnerships abroad.
Additionally, there are signs that North Korean hackers have embraced generative AI for reconnaissance and information gathering, though it has yet to be utilized in actual cyberattacks, according to Seoul's spy agency.
AI Applications During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Amid the global COVID-19 pandemic, North Korea demonstrated its use of AI by creating a model for evaluating proper mask usage and prioritizing clinical symptom indicators of infection.
This application showcased the versatility of AI in addressing public health concerns, even in a nation known for its restricted communication technology.
North Korea's commitment to AI development is further underscored by establishing the Artificial Intelligence Research Institute in 2013. The report notes that in recent years, several companies within the nation have actively promoted commercial products featuring AI despite the heavily restricted and monitored communications technology environment.
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Observations on Nuclear Reactor Safety
Of particular concern is North Korea's application of AI in maintaining the safety of nuclear reactors. As reported, North Korean scientists have published research in this domain, coinciding with observations from the UN nuclear watchdog and independent experts regarding the operational status of the Yongbyon nuclear complex.
Another warning from the Stimson Center, published in the 38 North project, cautions against the potential misuse of cloud computing services by North Korea.
The report suggests that cloud providers should be vigilant in preventing the hermit kingdom from renting infrastructure that could advance its AI capabilities, emphasizing the risks associated with an "intangible transfer of technology."
Risks and Suggestions for Cloud Providers
The potential for North Korea to rent AI infrastructure from cloud providers poses significant risks, potentially contributing to military efforts.
Kim suggests a proactive approach by cloud computing service providers to raise awareness of these threats and enhance customer screening protocols during onboarding.
Beyond technology, the report highlights concerns about inadvertent collaboration with North Koreans in academic conferences. Kim suggests the need for discussions to devise ways to apprise scholars of the risks associated with international collaborations, ensuring compliance with UN and other sanctions while preserving academic freedom.
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