North Korea wants to make its mark in artificial intelligence to boost its economy: study

North Korea is developing artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning for everything from combating COVID-19 and protecting nuclear reactors to wargaming simulations and government surveillance, according to a new study.

Study author Hyuk Kim, of the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies (CNS) in California, wrote that international sanctions imposed on its nuclear weapons program have hindered North Korea’s efforts to secure AI hardware, but it appears that That it is following the latest technology.

“North Korea’s recent efforts in AI/ML development indicate a strategic investment to boost its digital economy,” Kim wrote in the report. The report cited open-source information including state media and magazines and was published by the 38 North Project on Tuesday.

The report found that some North Korean AI researchers have collaborated with foreign scholars, including China.

The report said North Korea established an Artificial Intelligence Research Institute in 2013 and that several companies have promoted commercial products containing AI in recent years.

Communications technology is heavily restricted and monitored in the authoritarian North.

Kim said in the report that during the COVID-19 pandemic, North Korea used AI to create a model to evaluate proper mask use and prioritize clinical symptom indicators of infection.

North Korean scientists have also published research on using AI to maintain the safety of nuclear reactors, the report said.

A new reactor at North Korea’s Yongbyon nuclear complex is operating for the first time, U.N. nuclear monitors and independent experts said last month, which would mean another potential source of plutonium for nuclear weapons.

AI development presents many challenges, Kim wrote.

“For example, North Korea’s pursuit of a wargaming simulation program using (machine learning) reveals intentions to better understand the operational environment against potential adversaries,” he wrote.

“In addition, North Korea’s ongoing cooperation with foreign scholars raises concerns for the sanctions regime.”

(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed – Reuters)