North Korea's Chilling AI Developments: A Global Security Threat
Published on: March 10, 2024
North Korea has been intensifying its development of artificial intelligence (AI) across various sectors, including military technology and programs designed to safeguard nuclear reactors. This advancement, as reported by 38 North, could pose significant international threats, especially considering the regime's collaboration with Chinese tech researchers.
The authoritarian state has been employing AI in developing wargame simulations, according to the report. This use of AI in military strategies, coupled with international collaboration, raises concerns about potential violations of sanctions and the risk of sensitive information being leaked.
According to Hyuk Kim of the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies in California, North Korea's recent AI and machine learning developments indicate a strategic move to strengthen its digital economy. This move aligns with constitutional amendments and institutional reforms aimed at digitizing and informatizing its socialist economy.
The East Asian nation's focus on AI development dates back to the 1990s, but it gained momentum in 2013 with the establishment of the Artificial Intelligence Research Institute. The country's constitution was amended in April 2019 to include 'informatization' as a core economic goal.
Recent applications of AI in North Korea include a model for evaluating proper mask use during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the nation's advancements in AI have broader and more concerning implications, particularly in the military sector.
Kim notes that North Korea's pursuit of AI-driven wargaming simulations indicates an intent to better understand operational environments against potential adversaries. The collaboration with foreign scholars in this field also poses risks to the international sanctions regime.
North Korean researchers have published studies on using AI to enhance the safety and efficiency of nuclear reactors. While these studies aim to mitigate the risk of nuclear accidents, they also underscore the dual-use nature of AI technology in both civilian and military contexts.
This report underscores the need for international vigilance and cooperation to address the potential threats posed by North Korea's advancing AI capabilities. The balance between technological advancement and security concerns remains a critical challenge for the global community.