North Korea's AI Development Plan for 2026 and the North Korean ChatGPT (www.nkeconomy.com)

In a significant announcement, experts predict that North Korea will unveil a national AI development plan by 2026, potentially featuring its own version of ChatGPT and AI-powered military robots. This forecast is drawn from the collaborative research efforts of the North Korea ICT Research Group and NK Economy, which annually compiles the top ICT news and trends concerning North Korea. The 2026 agenda emphasizes how crucial it is for the global AI community to monitor North Korea's strategic response and developments in AI, particularly as the country ramps up its agricultural and defense applications of this technology. Key anticipated developments include the expansion of 4G mobile telecommunications nationwide, the establishment of cloud computing services and data centers, and the progressive implementation of AI in both agriculture and defense sectors. The report also addresses enhanced collaboration between North Korea and Russia in the ICT and cybersecurity domains. Other noteworthy points in the forecast include creating a nationwide hospital network centered around Pyongyang General Hospital, as well as research prospects in stablecoins and blockchain technology. This evolving ICT landscape in North Korea highlights the interplay of technology with military and economic strategies, making it a pivotal focus for international observers.