By M. Bilal Kenasari
WASHINGTON
The United States on Tuesday appeared evasive about whether it was responsible for Internet troubles in North Korea, following a hacking attack on an American movie studio.
When asked if the U.S. was behind disruptions to North Korea’s Internet connection, State Department spokeswoman Marie Harf, said, "This isn't our Internet,” while adding, "I would go ask North Korea."
"The president has spoken to what our potential response is, separate and apart from what we've seen over the last 24 hours might be,” she said. "As we implement our responses, some will be seen, some may not be seen."
North Korea experienced progressively worsening Internet disruptions beginning Saturday, with several days of continuous connectivity problems. By Monday the country’s Internet went completely dark.
Speculation has swirled that it could be retribution for a cyber attack last month that forced Sony Entertainment Pictures to cancel the Christmas Day release of “The Interview,” a comedy movie about the assassination of North Korea’s leader Kim Jong-Un.
The FBI has fingered North Korea for the Sony attack.
The decision to cancel the release of the film came after the group, Guardians of Peace, made threats to conduct Sept. 11-type attacks on theaters showing the movie.
President Barack Obama said last week that the decision to cancel the film was “a mistake” but that the attack “was an act of cyber vandalism,” very costly and that the U.S. would respond “proportionately."
In a reversal of it's earlier decision, Sony announced Tuesday that it will allow “The Interview” in limited release beginning Dec. 25. Sony Entertainment CEO Michael Lynton said that the company is working "to secure more platforms and more theaters so that this movie reaches the largest possible audience."
Seth Rogan, one of the stars of the movie and director, tweeted his excitment. "The people have spoken! Freedom has prevailed! Sony didn't give up!"
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