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Government Prioritizing Use of ICT

The government led by Prime Minister Puspa Kamal Dahal is placing a high priority on the use of information and communication technology (ICT) and internet. The Prime Minister stated that the country will become self-reliant in data servers and will ensure cyber security. He also announced plans to provide broadband internet service for free in public places such as schools, hospitals, government offices, financial institutions and shopping complexes. The Nepal Telecommunication Authority (NTA) had previously provided free internet to local levels, ward offices, community schools and health posts for two years under the Broadband Internet Expansion Project, but now the government plans to expand these services to the general public in places where public services are available.

Additionally, the Prime Minister stated that 5G technology will be implemented. The government also aims to accelerate the use of information technology in order to make public service delivery more efficient, and to use technology to combat illegal activities and corruption.

Similarly on government’s common minimum plans and programs, announced on January 9th, include a focus on digital transformation in Nepal. The plans also include building a data center and implementing a time card system, and providing free WiFi in public places. Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel stated that the government aims to provide all services online and use time cards to ensure prompt service delivery. Similarly, he announced that the government plans to enact and implement the e-Governance Act as a comprehensive law for digital government in the first session of parliament, which will be an umbrella law under the concept of digital government.

NTA ordered to block illegal websites

Nepal Telecommunication Authority (NTA) has stepped up efforts to restrict websites being used for online betting and virtual currencies, citing an increase in illegal financial transactions via such digital platforms. NTA has instructed Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to block the web portals related to cryptocurrencies, bitcoin, hyper networking, and online gambling.

DRN calls for open and transparent process while blocking websites, and not to give discretionary power to the ISPs to pick and choose websites for blocking as they like. Similarly, NTA should maintain a list of sites blocked and provide a mechanism for appeal to any sites blocked.

NT Internet got disturbed in Province 1

Customers in Province 1 are currently experiencing disruptions in Nepal Telecom services, specifically in services other than voice calls. The company has reported that the disruption is due to the cutting of optical fiber during road expansion and technicians are working to repair the issue.

Restructuring NT to Sustain in Competitive Market

At the 15th Annual General Meeting on 12 January, Baikuntha Aryal, the Chairman of the company and Secretary at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, emphasized the need to focus on restructuring the company. He stated that the company would be implementing more practical and timely policies to improve the decision-making process, working style and institutional restructuring to make it more competitive in the telecommunications market.

NT to start 5G Trial from 5 February

Nepal Telecom has confirmed to start of its 5G trial in the 2600 MHz band from 5 February (22 Magh). Earlier, NT had called off 5G trial due on 1 January (Poush 17) citing lack of 5G-supported handsets. The company is running internal tests of its 5G network on 5G-compatible phones before bringing it to live in a select few areas.

To stop disinformation, protect human rights first

The use of social media platforms for political manipulation is a well-known phenomenon. As previously highlighted, protecting people’s data is essential in preventing this manipulation. In case you missed it, Access now have released a joint report with Liberty and EDRi in 2021 that explains how to address disinformation while adhering to international human rights standards.

U.S. Supreme Court rejects NSO’s latest attempt to evade accountability

The U.S. Supreme Court has rejected a petition by Israeli firm NSO Group to review its claims of “sovereign immunity” in the WhatsApp hacking case, marking a significant victory for victims of mercenary spyware around the world. “Recent revelations about NSO Group indicate that the company continues to assist in the use of spyware against human rights defenders and civil society globally,” says Sanjana Srikumar of Access Now. “This decision is a crucial victory, a step forward in ensuring that victims of these human rights abuses can hold such companies accountable.”

DRN at Asia- Pacific Digital Rights Forum Asia-Pacific

Digital Rights Forum, a three-day convening from 12-14 January is happening now. The forum is expected to expound on continuing digital Rights discussions and connect changemakers from around the region to share insights and learning. Santosh Sigdel, DRN Chairperson, joined the breakout panel session on “How can we counter disinformation without infringing on freedom of expression?” on 12 January 2023, and reflected on state of disinformation in Nepal and policy initiatives aimed at regulating it.

To know more about DRN activities, please follow us on twitter and facebook or write to us at [email protected]

Publication

Informing the Disinfo Debate: A policy guide for protecting Human Rights

Access Now has published Informing the Disinfo Debate: A policy Guide for protecting Human Rights, which is the continuation of its 2018 predecessor, Informing the “Disinformation” Debate. This report offers policy recommendations for EU co-legislators on how to effectively address the risks to fundamental rights posed by manipulative practices used by large online platforms that exploit people’s vulnerabilities and sensitive data. Additionally, the report suggests ways to combat disinformation while still maintaining compliance with fundamental rights standards.

Global dialogue: online gendered disinformation

On 25 January 2023 on the occasion of the International Day of Women in Multilateralism, UNESCO is generating a global dialogue to advance effective responses to online gendered disinformation. The event will examine the pressing global issue of social media content governance to counter gendered disinformation through a global dialogue. For more info including link to event/registration: https://www.unesco.org/en/days/women-multilateralism

Digital Rights Weekly is a week-based update on Digital Rights and ICT issues, that happened throughout the week, complied 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 law/policies, and cyber securities in Nepal.