North Korean Smartphones Block 'South Korea' and Implement Surveillance Features
An analysis of North Korean smartphones, specifically the 'Haeyang 701' model from 2023, has revealed built-in language control and surveillance functionalities. When a user types 'South Korea' on these devices, the text is immediately replaced with '(forbidden word)'. Similarly, common South Korean abbreviations like 'namchin' (for 'boyfriend') are auto-corrected to their full, formal Korean equivalent, 'namjachingu'. In contrast, typing the name of North Korea's State Affairs Commission chairman, Kim Jong Un, automatically displays it in bold text. Beyond language control, these smartphones also feature surveillance capabilities that randomly capture user screens and store them for review by authorities. While the devices resemble standard Android smartphones with features like voice calls, text messaging, and QR code-based payments, they are restricted from accessing the global internet and can only connect to a closed internal intranet operated by North Korean authorities. The Wi-Fi connection feature ... 
