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"Eric Schmidt, executive chairman at Google, is reportedly planning a visit to a somewhat unusual locale: North Korea.\nSchmidt is joining a private humanitarian trip being organized by former New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson, according to the Associated Press citing \"two people familiar with the group's plans.\"\nSchmidt's visit will be the first to North Korea by a top Google executive. \nIt's not exactly clear what Schmidt will be doing while in North Korea \u2014 the United States heavily restricts trade with the largely isolated Communist nation, so it's unlikely that he'll be negotiating any business deals. Far more likely is that he'll be pushing for North Korea to open up the web to its citizens. \nSchmidt has been a vocal supporter of the idea that technology and Internet access can enhance the human condition. North Korea has some of the most restrictive policies on Internet access in the world, but North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during his New Year's address made an appeal for a science and technology-focused \"industrial revolution,\" for which looser Internet controls may be required.\nSEE ALSO: Watch North Korea's First Successful Rocket Launch\n\nThe date of Schmidt's trip remains unknown, though it could be as soon as sometime this month. Richardson once played a role in negotiating the release of Americans in North Korean custody and later served as United States Ambassador to the United Nations.\nWhat do you think Schmidt has planned for his North Korea trip? Share in the comments.\nPhoto via Paul J. Richards/AFP/Getty Images"^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
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