Digital Rights Weekly/Year 2/Issue 09

Mar 03, 2023

High-level Taskforce Formed to Formulate Cyber Security Policy
Nepal government has formed a high-level taskforce to prepare a report and provide recommendations on cyber security policy, law, structure, and processes. The task force was formed in response to a proposal presented by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MOCIT) during a cabinet meeting on 27 February.
The task force has been given a month to submit the report. The taskforce led by IT expert Juddha Bahadur Gurung includes Baburam Dawadi, Saroj Lamichhane, Mona Nyachchho, Prakash Rayamajhi and Bijay Gautam as members. Similarly, it includes representatives from the Nepal Army and the Nepal Police and the representative of the MOCIT works as the member secretary.
While the formation of a high-level task force to formulate a cyber security policy in Nepal is a positive step, there are concerns expressed by the civil society. Firstly, the time frame of one month given to prepare a comprehensive report on cyber security seems quite ambitious. A complex issue like cyber security requires thorough research, analysis, and meaningful consultation with stakeholders, which cannot be achieved in such a short time. This raises questions about the quality of the report as well. Secondly, the task force’s composition raises concerns about its independence and impartiality. While it is commendable that the task force has IT experts, members of the Nepal Army and the Nepal Police, and the representative from the Information Ministry, it is essential to have representatives from civil society organizations, digital rights advocates, and other stakeholders to ensure a balanced approach.
Therefore, while DRN appreciate the government’s efforts to address cyber security concerns, DRN urges the task force to ensure transparency, inclusivity, and independence in the process and to take a balanced and rights-respecting approach towards cyber security policy formulation.

Government Launched Integrated Website Management and Monitoring System
The Department of Information Technology has developed two systems – an integrated website management system and a web monitoring system – with the aim of enhancing the security and maintaining uniformity across all government agency websites. The Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Rekha Sharma, inaugurated these systems during a program held at the Ministry. The integrated website management system has already been used to develop new websites for several government bodies, including the Ministry of Communications, Department of Information and Broadcasting, Department of Postal Services, Department of Information Technology, and Printing Department. The Department plans to expand this system to other ministries and subordinate bodies in the future.
These systems are expected to facilitate the efficient and safe operation of government websites, improve access to service providers, and identify and address hacking issues and website downtime in a timely manner.

Government Data Centers to be Operated and Monitored round-the-clock
The Council of Ministers for the Government of Nepal on a meeting held on 27 February has instructed the National Information Technology Center to operate the government data center at maximum capacity, in the supervision of networking and cyber security technicians. The decision calls for the full operation of the Government Integrated Data Center (GIDC) in Kathmandu and the Disaster Recovery Center in Hetauda, as well as 24/7 monitoring. Additionally, the Council of Ministers has mandated the consolidation of all government agency data and IT systems into the GIDC.

New Bylaw requires TELCOs and ISPs to address complaints within two days
Telecom companies and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are required to address the complaints filed by customers through online platforms within two days. Nepal Telecom authority (NTA) has issued Quality of Telecom Services By-law, 2079 BS which stipulates timeframe for addressing the customer complaints. According to the bylaw, service providers have to address 90 percent or more within 24 hours and 99 percent or more within 48 hours and the authority may award a fine of up to Fifty Thousand Rupees If the service provider does not comply with or fails to comply with the provision. The provision will come into force on 14 April 2023.

ISPAN Writ Petition: Court Continued Interlocutory Order
The High Court Patan continued its interlocutory order to prevent the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) from cutting internet service wires, which could have disrupted internet access for customers across the country. Joint bench of honorable judges Balendra Rupakheti and Subarshan Raj Pandy continued the short-term interlocutory order of 15 February. The order was issued on a petition by the Internet Service Providers Association Nepal (ISPAN) against the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Nepal Electricity Authority, and others.

Ncell partners with Truphone for eSIM Implementation
Ncell Axiata, has joined forces with the British eSIM platform, Truphone, to simplify the distribution of its eSIM. It has been reported that Truphone’s eSIM services employ crucial technologies like the Remote SIM Provisioning Platform (RSP) and eSIM Launch Pad. Ncell had introduced its eSIM service in November 2022, after several months of trial availability. Unlike conventional SIM cards that are placed inside phones, eSIMs are embedded into the device.

5G connections to reach 5 billion by 2030 from 1.5B in 2023
According to the Mobile Economy Report by GSMA, the number of 5G connections is predicted to reach 5 billion in 2030, up from 1.5 billion in 2023. At the same time, 4G subscriptions are expected to drop below 40 percent. The report suggests that 5G adoption will reach 17 percent in 2023 and add $1 trillion to the global economy in 2030, benefiting all industries. The report also states that around 30 countries, mainly developing markets in Africa and Asia, will launch 5G, making it a truly global trend. Nepal, which is among the 30 countries, is ready to launch its 5G trial for the public in the first half of 2023.

India Tops Global List for Most Internet Shutdowns
India topped the list for the most internet shutdowns in 2022 globally for the fifth consecutive year. Of 187 internet shutdowns recorded worldwide, 84 took place in India, according to the report published by Access Now, a New York based advocacy group that tracks internet freedom. This is the fifth consecutive year the world’s largest democracy of more than 1.3 billion people has topped the list, the group said, raising concerns about India’s commitment to internet freedom under its current Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
For full report: 2022-KIO-Report-new.pdf (accessnow.org)

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.