More than 400,000 Government Data Lost Due to Server Issues
Due to an issue with the server at the National Information Technology Center, data of around 60 government agencies, including the Public Service Commission, has disappeared. Despite over two months of effort to recover the data, the Center has informed authorities that they cannot confirm if the data will be retrieved. The Public Service Commission’s Information Officer, Devi Prasad Subedi, stated that the commission has been using old backups for the past three months and that they do not have applicants’ data from October, November, and December.
Approximately 400,000 applications received during the relevant period, including the 16,000 new applications have been lost. The server at the center, installed by Oracle, has been experiencing issues for around two months, and Oracle is handling the data recovery process. The Public Service Commission’s website has been down since March 7, 2023. Despite efforts to resolve the issue, the center and Oracle have been unable to find a solution.
This incident has highlighted the reality of cyber security in Nepal. The Government offices, including Public Service Commission, holds sensitive and personally identifiable information. This shows the vulnerability of the government’s cyber security measures. The Digital Rights Nepal (DRN) urges the government to prioritize cyber security as it is linked to people’s constitutional right to privacy.
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NTA Prepared Draft OTT Regulatory Framework
The Nepal Telecommunication Authority (NTA) has drafted a new regulatory framework for over-the-top (OTT) services such as WhatsApp, Viber, and Messenger. The aim of the draft is to bring these apps under legal regulation and ensure consumer protection. According to the new procedure, any OTT service provider company should be registered in Nepal. In the case of foreign companies, they should open a branch office in Nepal or allow an intermediary company to provide the service. The service providers should ensure network and data security to protect the privacy of customers. They should also comply with national and international standards related to customer protection and provide content delivery networks within Nepal for fast and secure service delivery.
Moreover, the draft requires service providers to provide customer-related information to official bodies. The NTA has issued a notice seeking opinions and suggestions from stakeholders within 15 days. Suggestions can be submitted via email or phone/fax to the authority.
ICT made mandatory for grade 4-10 students in Nepal
All students from grade 4 to 10 in Nepal are now required to study information and communication technology (ICT) as part of their science and technology subject. Previously, computer education was taught in grade 6 to 8 only. According to the Curriculum Development Centre computer education has now been integrated into the Science and Technology subject. Students of grate 4 to grade 8 have to study ICT for 30 hours in every grade, while the working hour for the subject in grade 9 and 10 is 14 hours. Additionally, students in class 9 and above may choose computer education as optional subject as well.
Tool Kit launched for Children with Disabilities
The Disability Empowerment Center Surkhet has introduced a new tool kit app that aims to assist children with disabilities in their studies. The app is designed to provide easier access to educational resources for children with disabilities studying in schools across Nepal. Bishnu Prasad Sharma, the Center’s Executive Director, explained that the tool kit app was created with the goal of improving accessibility to local resources and simplifying the studying process for children with disabilities, particularly those with intellectual and hearing disabilities. The app functions as a comprehensive educational platform that consolidates all learning materials needed by children with disabilities in one place.
KMC Issued Notice to Remove Messy Cables from Utility Poles
The Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has issued a notice to internet, telecom, and electricity service providers to remove cluttered and dangling cables from utility poles within its jurisdiction. The local government has set a 15-day deadline for companies to comply with the directive, failing which the KMC will take the responsibility of removing the cables itself. In addition, service providers have been urged to tag the unnecessary wires for easy identification.
The cable mess on utility poles has been a long-standing issue for companies in Nepal, with conflicts arising between ISPs and TV service providers and the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) over the use of the poles. However, the KMC’s notice marks a new phase in the drive to remove the cables, with the city government citing aesthetic concerns as a reason for their removal.
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Article
Dismantling the facade: A global south perspective on the state of engagement with tech companies
An article titled “ Dismantling the Façade: A Global South Perspective on the State of Engagement with Tech Companies” was recently published by the Business and Human Rights Resource Centre. This piece draws on feedback from civil society partners in the Global South to provide an analysis of the major challenges that human rights groups face when trying to effectively engage with tech companies and promote corporate accountability within the industry. These obstacles include opaque business practices, limited access to company structures, inadequate internal capacity, a lack of whistleblower protections, and pervasive discriminatory practices.
Using case studies from Myanmar, Chile, and an African regional initiative, the article highlights strategies adapted by civil society to demand accountability from tech companies, even in the face of these barriers. The primary aim of this analysis is to provide a shared understanding of the existing gaps and potential solutions to strengthen the business and human rights movement.
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Events
Global Digital Compact Thematic Deep-Dive: Human Rights Online
UN General Assembly designated the Permanent Representatives of Rwanda and Sweden as Co-facilitators in charge of guiding the intergovernmental process on the Global Digital Compact in October 2022. On January 16, 2023, the Co-facilitators presented a roadmap for the intergovernmental process. From January 2023 to June 2023, discussions with Member States and stakeholders are scheduled, with stakeholders able to participate remotely. On May 8, a thematic Deep-Dive on Human Rights online has been scheduled.
Apply here: UN Global Digital Compact to join the event. |
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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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