Yes, Snapchat is illegal in North Korea because it is completely banned by the government.
According to available information, Snapchat is completely banned in all of Iran, China, Cuba, and North Korea. This means that access to the application and its services is blocked within the country's borders.
Why is Snapchat Banned in North Korea?
Governments, particularly those with strict control over information flow, often ban foreign social media platforms like Snapchat to:
- Control Information: Prevent citizens from accessing uncensored news or communicating freely outside state surveillance.
- Limit External Influence: Block exposure to foreign cultures and ideas.
- Promote Domestic Platforms: Encourage the use of state-controlled or approved communication channels.
In North Korea, internet access itself is highly restricted, with only a small elite having access to a limited intranet, and international internet access being extremely rare and tightly controlled. Blocking specific foreign social media apps like Snapchat is part of this broader strategy of information control.
Countries Where Snapchat is Blocked
Based on the reference, North Korea is not alone in blocking Snapchat. Several other countries also enforce a complete ban:
- Iran: Complete Ban
- China: Complete Ban
- Cuba: Complete Ban
- North Korea: Complete Ban
Accessing or attempting to use banned services in countries with strict internet censorship can carry legal consequences.
Implications of the Ban
For residents of North Korea, the ban means:
- They cannot legally download or use the Snapchat app.
- Attempting to access the service would likely be unsuccessful due to technical blocks.
- Using methods to circumvent the ban (like VPNs, which are also restricted) could be risky.
Effectively, due to the complete ban enforced by the state, using Snapchat in North Korea is prohibited and therefore illegal under their laws.
