North Korea adds death penalty for cybercrime offenses

North Korea’s government has amended its criminal code to make the commission of, or the coercion of others into, cyber‑related crimes punishable by death. The new provisions cover attacks on critical infrastructure, theft of sensitive data, digital fraud and the organization or direction of cyber‑crime networks. In the most serious cases, authorities may also impose long prison terms, forced labour and asset confiscation.

The measure is presented as a response to the growing global threat of cyber attacks and is among the harshest penalties worldwide. Human‑rights groups have criticised the move, noting the lack of judicial transparency and the broader use of capital punishment in the country.