.kp
| Introduced | 2007 |
|---|---|
| TLD type | Country code top-level domain |
| Status | Active |
| Sponsor | Korea Computer Center |
| Intended use | Entities connected with North Korea |
| Actual use | Used mainly by government, very few domains in use. |
| Registration restrictions | Must be a company, organisation, or government entity based in North Korea |
.kp is the Internet country code top-level domain (ccTLD) of North Korea. It was created on September 24, 2007.[1]
Contents
Usage
Relatively few .kp domains are registered, almost exclusively by entities closely connected to the government. As internet access within North Korea is limited, most .kp websites target foreign audiences and are often available in English. Some examples include:
- The official North Korean governmental portal, Naenara: http://www.naenara.com.kp
- The website of the Committee for Cultural Relations with Foreign Countries: http://www.friend.com.kp
- The website of the Korean Central News Agency: http://www.kcna.kp
- The website of state airline, Air Koryo: http://www.airkoryo.com.kp
- The website of the Rodong Sinmun newspaper: http://www.rodong.rep.kp
- The website of shortwave station Voice of Korea: http://www.vok.rep.kp
- The website of the Pyongyang Film Festival: http://www.korfilm.com.kp
- The website of the Official Korean Cuisine: http://www.cooks.org.kp
Previously, the .kp domain was managed by KCC Europe. A large number of .kp websites were also hosted by KCC Europe in Germany. However, as of 2012, management has been transferred to the Pyongyang-based Star Joint Venture.[2] Most .kp websites, such as those listed above, are now also hosted in North Korea.
Internet in North Korea
<templatestyles src="Module:Hatnote/styles.css"></templatestyles>
Access to the internet in North Korea remains rare and tightly restricted; Reporters Without Borders once described the nation as "the world’s worst Internet black hole"[3] as the "Internet officially does not exist in the world’s most isolated country, but a handful of privileged people are allowed to go online through the phone system (which is routed through China) or via satellite." [4] According to former leader Kim Jong-Il, "I'm an Internet expert too. It's all right to wire the industrial zone only, but there are many problems if other regions of the North are wired." [5]
On 9 October 2010, in conjunction with its 65th anniversary of independence, the DPRK made a block of IP addresses available for use within the country. Hosting of sites and general access was provided by China Netcom. This allowed for Net access to journalists reporting on the anniversary celebrations.[6]
From February 2013, foreigners can access the internet using the 3G phone network.[7][8]
Censorship of North Korean websites
<templatestyles src="Module:Hatnote/styles.css"></templatestyles>
South Korea has banned at least 31 sites considered sympathetic to North Korea through the use of IP blocking.[9]
See also
References
- ↑ "Preliminary Report for Special Meeting of the ICANN Board of Directors". 11 September 2007.
- ↑ ".kp domain assigned to Star JV". North Korea Tech. 3 May 2011.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ "North Korea's Kim Jong Il: I'm an Internet Expert". FoxNews.com. 5 October 2007.
- ↑ "North Korea opens up Internet for national anniversary". ComputerWorld. 9 October 2010.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
