Does the DPRK Linux distribution "RedStar OS" really have spyware?

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As of 2021 It's network silent.
But it does tag every file made with a unique uuid so they can be traced back to that computer/user.
- This is according to the first link I posted:
  The system is absolutely network-silent except when you actively do something that requires network access, like using the browser. It does not call the mothership, not for updates, not for telemetry, not to let Kim Jong Un know the status of your internal organs. Spoiler, he doesn’t give a fuck about your hentai porn. You’re not trusting me? Well, you should, because if you listened and installed the OS inside a VM, you can now mitm/firewall the external connections and notice the absolute silence.
it would be incredible to run a HTPC with jellyfin running on Red Star OS just for pure ideological commitment to the bit. no localization, learning Korean and using a Korean language input device/keypad.
imagine your house gets raided by the local cops for a dimebag of weed and Officer Cornbread Dooferson finds that, instantly thinking he has stumbled on a high level spy ring and is about to be promoted to 007.
anyway, you'd be getting waterboarded over your 4K-UHD collection of Garfield movie adaptations and fan made Shrek music videos, which the feds insist are coded messages.
- Burn After Reading II
I would gladly give my data to real Korea.
No, I do not. :)
This video is over 9 years old by now but might interest you: https://media.ccc.de/v/32c3-7174-lifting_the_fog_on_red_star_os
TL;DW: As the other person said, files get a fingerprint appended when opened. No other spyware was observed.

7 comments