By Lee Tae-hoon
Twitter users are increasingly expressing concerns over possible violation of laws for subscribing to a North Korean micro-blogging site, which opened last Thursday under the name “uriminzok,” or “our people.”
Such fears are attributed to the National Security Law which states any person who corresponds or communicates with an anti-government group is subject to a maximum jail term of 10 years, if they were aware that their act could threaten national security.
Under the inter-Korea Exchange and Cooperation Act, those contacting North Koreans without first reporting to the Unification Minister can be fined up to 3 million won ($2,500).
“The North Korean Twitter site is now the talk of the town,” a college student with the screen name Leehuna tweeted.
“I wonder following the site is a breach of the National Security Law?”
Many Twitter users appear to be fearful of punishment, but this did not stop them joining the North Korean blog, which is allegedly run by the Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of Fatherland, a propaganda agency.
“I believe it is wrong to punish those who access information out of curiosity,” a follower of the site tweeted.
The number of its followers surpassed 3,000 Tuesday afternoon, up from 560 as of 1 p.m. the previous day.
Lee Jong-joo, a spokeswoman for the Unification Ministry, confirmed that the communist regime’s official website www.uriminzokkiri.com is promoting the Twitter site.
She declined to comment on whether those who have accessed the site should be punished.
Seoul has banned 65 websites considered sympathetic to Pyongyang since 2004 by blocking IP addresses, but the matter seems much more complicated with Twitter.
“Our commission has authorities to prevent people in the South from accessing North Korean websites,” an official of Korea Communications Commission said.
“Now, it appears that it will need to have long discussions with Twitter and YouTube on technical matters and legal terms on blocking South Koreans from accessing certain sites created by North Koreans.”
In July, Pyongyang created its own channel on YouTube, uploading video footage that praises its leader Kim Jong-il and defends itself against allegations over the sinking of the Cheonan warship in March.
Critics say the government’s intervention will trigger a backlash from the public for violating their freedom of expression and access to information.
They point out that what is causing more concern is verifying whether certain IDs were created by North Koreans or those impersonating them.
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