Advertising Board Gets Power to Supervise Digital and Social Media Ads
The government has given the Advertising Board the power to supervise electronic and digital advertisements, including on social media. This responsibility was established through the first amendment to advertising regulations published on 17 August. The amendment grants the Advertising Board the power to verify the legitimacy of ads through official channels, ensure adherence to relevant laws, and confirm the registration of media and advertising agencies with the Board. The amendment also empowers the Board to create guidelines for overseeing ads on social media and regulates foreign companies like Facebook, Google, and Amazon in Nepal. These companies must now register with the Advertising Board due to their integration into Nepal’s tax framework. Violations of advertising codes and laws can lead to penalties, including temporary suspension of ads and broadcasting activities by non-compliant entities. Additionally, Nepali TV networks airing significant international content through foreign partnerships must obtain the Board’s approval and pay a fee.
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NTA unveils Ambitious Budget for FY 2080/81
The Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) has introduced a budget of NPR 1.1 billion for the upcoming Fiscal Year FY 2080/81 to enhance and expand telecommunications services in the country. The largest portion of the budget, NPR 855 million, is allocated from the Rural Telecommunication Development Fund (RTDF). Additional funds of NPR 34.867 billion will come from the NTA’s own reserves, resulting in a total budget framework of NPR 1.15 billion. This financial plan targets 13 sectors, focusing on policy development, widespread access to basic telecom services, industry competitiveness, quality assessment of telecom equipment, efficient frequency management, and research into emerging technologies. The budget proposal will undergo evaluation and possible adjustments by the Ministry of Information and Communications (MoCIT) before official approval.
NRB Data Reveals Nepal’s Digital Financial Transformation
The Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) recently released Asar 2080 Payment System Index highlights a significant transformation in Nepal’s financial landscape. The report reveals the growing adoption of mobile banking and QR code-based payments. In Asar 2080, digital wallet transactions reached Rs 20.32 billion, and mobile banking user base surpassed 20 million, with 2 crore, 13 lakh, 63 thousand, and 989 users, showing a notable shift to mobile-based financial services.
Similarly, QR payments experienced a remarkable surge, with Rs 30.14 billion transacted through this channel, a 107.95 percent increase from the previous year. The transaction volume for QR payments reached 9,766,216 in Asar 2080, compared to 4,281,994 in Asar 2079. The Payment System Index 2080 indicates Nepal’s rapid adoption of digital financial tools, promising greater convenience and a technologically empowered financial future for the country.
Dhangadhi Introduces Online Public Grievance System
Dhangadhi Sub-Metropolitan City has unveiled online platforms for registering public complaints. Mayor Gopal Hamal revealed that residents now have the convenience of submitting their grievances through a mobile app, QR code, or the city’s official website.
Mayor Hamal emphasized that this newly launched system has been devised to facilitate effortless expression of opinions and complaints within the city’s administrative domain. This mechanism empowers individuals to readily voice their concerns and provide feedback on the local government’s operational efficiency and service quality. The Namaste Mayor mobile app and the Namaste Mayor e-form are the dedicated channels through which the public can participate in this process.
NTA Directs NTC to Suspend New Packages
Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) has issued a directive to Nepal Telecom to promptly discontinue its offerings of 1 Gbps and 500 Mbps internet packages. These ultra-high-speed packages were recently introduced by the company. However, the regulatory body urged the state-affiliated company to cease the rollout of its ambitious packages, citing no prior approval of charges. As mandated by the Telecommunication Act of 2053, service providers are obligated to secure approval for service charges before initiating their services. Section 42 of the act explicitly stipulates that, as per the terms of the license agreement, Nepal Telecom was required to seek prior authorization for its service charges in order to operate its services within the regulatory framework.
Decline in Fixed Broadband in Nepal
The landscape of fixed broadband internet in Nepal has experienced a recent downturn, as indicated by the latest data released by the Nepal Telecommunication Authority (NTA). According to the regulator’s recently published data, the penetration of fixed broadband internet has witnessed a decrease of 37,778 points during the Baisakh month. In specific terms, the number of households with fixed broadband internet access has dropped from 2,673,471 in Chaitra to 2,635,693 by the end of Baishak. This signifies a notable decline in fixed broadband connectivity across the nation.
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Publication
Government eyes on internet monitoring
The article “Government’s Focus on Internet Monitoring,” authored by Advocate Santosh Sigdel and published in the Annapurna Express, discusses Nepal’s recent enactment of the National Cyber Security Policy 2023. The main focus is on the policy’s central theme, which is the establishment of a national internet gateway. This decision has raised concerns about individual rights, the country’s global image, and potential parallels with autocratic tendencies. The policy’s lack of a clear implementation strategy has led to uncertainties, and its emphasis on surveillance has sparked worries about the erosion of personal freedoms. Despite these apprehensions, the article recognizes the positive aspect of improved cybersecurity. It calls for necessary reforms while navigating the delicate balance between preserving core values and enhancing security measures. For Article : Government eyes on internet monitoring (theannapurnaexpress.com)
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What is EU’s new Digital Services Act and how will it impact non-EU regions?
On August 25, the EU ushered in the Digital Services Act (DSA) to supervise the online behavior of major tech giants like Google, Facebook, and Amazon. Centered on safety, legality, and respect within the expansive digital realm, the DSA caters to the daily engagements of billions of users. Its primary objective is to forge a notably more secure and transparent virtual arena, robustly tackling the issue of holding users accountable for their interactions and staunchly safeguarding rights and privacy in the digital realm. In light of these developments, an article has been released elucidating the DSA’s essence, its rationale, the scope of its influence on online platforms, and its anticipated ramifications on the digital landscape. For article: What is EU’s new Digital Services Act and how will it impact non-EU regions? | Technology News – The Indian Express
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Grant/Awards
Apply for DFL Infrastructure Fund!!!
The Data Futures Lab has launched the DFL Infrastructure Fund, which provides financial support for open-source software development to promote a fair and just data ecosystem. The fund offers awards of up to $50,000 USD, dependent on the project’s stage of development. Applicants from all regions and affiliations are welcome, excluding where prohibited by law. However, Mozilla is particularly interested in applications from underrepresented groups such as the Global Majority or Global South, marginalized communities, and those affected by climate displacement. The application deadline is August 31, 2023. Further details on eligibility and evaluation criteria can be found here: Mozilla Foundation – DFL Infrastructure Fund
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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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