NCB Kathmandu and Passport Department Sign MoU for Interpol Access
The INTERPOL National Central Bureau Kathmandu (NCB) and the Passport Department have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to provide direct access to Interpol’s system to enhance crime control. The MoU aims to integrate Interpol’s SLTD (Stolen and Lost Travel Documents) database and WISDM (Interpol Web Service for Data Management) technology into Nepal’s passport system. Nepal Police has emphasized that this initiative will help prevent the misuse of lost, stolen, and canceled passports, streamline the updating process, and improve coordination between the Nepal Police Interpol Branch, the Department of Immigration, and the Passport Department.
19 Amendment Proposals on E-Commerce Bill in HoR
A total of 19 amendment proposals have been submitted for the e-Commerce Bill-2080 BS in the House of Representatives. It is currently being discussed by the Industry and Commerce Committee and the Labour and Consumer Welfare Committee of the House, following it’s passage from National Assembly. On July 24, 2024, the committees engaged with experts and stakeholders in the electronic trade sector to gather suggestions. The discussions covered issues such as consumer fraud, lack of guarantees on the price and quality of goods, challenges in ensuring transparency in transactions, and the integration of e-commerce with the tax system.
Apple Criticized for Underreporting Child Sexual Abuse Material Cases
Child safety experts allege that Apple is underreporting incidents of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) on its platforms, including iCloud, iMessage, and FaceTime. The UK’s National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) found that Apple was implicated in 337 CSAM offenses in England and Wales between April 2022 and March 2023. However, Apple reported only 267 cases worldwide to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) in 2023. This discrepancy is significant compared to other tech giants like Google and Meta, which reported millions of cases. In response to the criticism, Apple stated its commitment to combating CSAM and is focusing on developing on-device tools for users to connect with local resources and law enforcement.
NID Requirement for Social Security Allowance Suspended
The Ministry of Home Affairs has instructed district administration offices across Nepal not to enforce the requirement of a national identity card for receiving social security allowance. This directive, issued on July 19, follows a decision by the Council of Ministers on July 11, prompted by severe weather conditions, including floods and landslides, that have made it challenging for citizens to obtain the necessary identification. A Gazette published on June 24, 2024, mandated the use of national identity cards for social security allowance in 28 districts starting July 16. However, due to the recent natural disasters, the implementation of this requirement has been suspended.
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Opportunities
Digital Security for Journalists’ Training
The Center for Media Research-Nepal (CMR-Nepal) Journalism Academy, in partnership with Germany’s Interlink Academy, is set to conduct a ‘Digital Security for Journalists’ training in Kathmandu. This initiative aims to enhance digital security skills among Nepali journalists. Interlink Academy will provide fellowships to cover the training fees for selected participants.
To Apply: पत्रकारका लागि डिजिटल सुरक्षा तालिम: आवेदन फाराम (tally.so)
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DRN activities
Digital Rights School Organized in Biratnagar
Digital Rights Nepal wrapped up a successful two-day Digital Rights School in Biratnagar, Koshi Province, engaging 30 young participants from diverse sectors. This event, organized in collaboration with the Nepal-U.S. Alumni Network (NUSAN) and supported by the U.S. Embassy in Nepal, aimed to raise awareness about digital rights, digital security, and responsible online behavior. Participants gained valuable digital literacy skills and learned safe online practices amid increasing digitization. Additionally, the event marked the launch of the Digital Rights Advocates Network Koshi, which seeks to boost awareness and foster action on digital rights and safety throughout the province.
Catch the event highlights in the pictures.
#DigitalRightsSchool #DRS
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Core Stakeholder Consultation on Media Monitoring Tool
DRN hosted a crucial consultation with core stakeholders, including the National Human Rights Commission, the Federation of Nepali Journalists, media professionals, academia, and CSOs working on the protection of press freedom and freedom of expression to review and update the Media Monitoring Tool for tracking press freedom violations in Nepal. Acknowledging the need for consistency, as current indicators varied across sectors, the focus of the consultation was on streamlining violations in line with international standards and best practices. The discussion also aimed to identify and define new indicators for emerging online press freedom violations.
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Digital Rights Weekly is a week-based update on Digital Rights and ICT issues, that happened throughout the week, compiled and analyzed from the digital rights perspective by Digital Rights Nepal (DRN). DRN is a not-for-profit initiative dedicated to the protection and promotion of digital rights, including the right to online freedom of expression and association, online privacy, access to information, and related issues such as internet governance, cyber laws/policies, and cyber securities in Nepal.
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