GPS jamming: What is it and how does it work?

Seoul’s military has accused North Korea of carrying out GPS jamming operations over Friday and Saturday, affecting multiple ships and dozens of civilian aircraft in South Korea.

“North Korea conducted GPS jamming provocations in Haeju and Kaesong yesterday and today,” South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement on Saturday, adding that “several vessels and dozens of civilian aircraft were experiencing some operational disruptions.”

Seoul’s military also issued warnings to ships and aircraft operating in the Yellow Sea, advising caution against further interference.

Analysts warn that GPS jamming by North Korea could increase the risk of serious incidents on the Korean peninsula.

Ahn Chan-il, a defector-turned-researcher who runs the World Institute for North Korea Studies, suggested that North Korea might be attempting to “shield their own communications and intelligence exchanges during critical military operations” within the country and potentially beyond.

What is GPS jamming? 

GPS jamming refers to the use of a device that emits signals to interfere with or block communication systems, including GPS, Wi-Fi, phone calls, and text messages.

Often called GPS spoofing, these jammers are primarily used to obscure locations or disrupt communications, creating significant risks for both privacy and public safety.

How does GPS jamming work?

GPS devices rely on signals from orbiting satellites to pinpoint location. When a jammer is activated, it emits radio signals that interfere with these satellite communications, causing the device to lose its ability to determine its position. This interference can occur over a range of 5 to 10 meters, typically with devices powered by low-energy sources like vehicle cigarette lighters or USB ports.

Uses of GPS Jammers

GPS jammers are typically used to:

• Obscure or alter positioning signals from GPS systems
• Block communication on mobile devices, such as calls, texts, and emails
• Disrupt Wi-Fi connections, preventing internet access
• Conceal the location of vehicles or devices

Some individuals, expecialy lleaders of countries around the world, use jammers for security or privacy reasons.

Are they legal?

Initially developed by the military for strategic purposes, GPS jammers have since found their way into the hands of civilians.

Without proper technical knowledge, jammers can cause major disruptions, leading to consequences such as loss of navigation, communications breakdowns, or even accidents.

In the US and Canada, GPS jammers are illegal to purchase, sell, or operate. Violators face penalties, including fines, device confiscation, and possible jail time.

Despite the legal restrictions, these devices are readily available for purchase online and come in various forms such as Wi-Fi jammers, Bluetooth jammers, and even drone jammers.

Security Concerns and Risks

GPS jammers are not just an inconvenience but a growing security threat. For example, they can block emergency communications, preventing individuals from contacting emergency responders or disrupting first responder operations.

Additionally, as industries such as law enforcement, transportation, and fleet management become increasingly reliant on GPS-enabled devices, jamming presents significant risks.

Critical operational data such as vehicle tracking, fuel usage, and safety metrics can be compromised, leading to operational failures or worse—delays in emergency responses.