MOCIT Preparing a Directive Requiring Mandatory Registration of Social Media
The Nepal government is preparing a guideline to regulate social media in Nepal. The Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (MOCIT) has drafted the Social Media Regulation Guidelines, which requires social media companies to be listed with the government of Nepal to operate in Nepal.
The guidelines also propose the establishment of a dedicated unit or branch under MOCIT to oversee the social media operation. The guidelines contain prohibitions against various activities on social media, such as the dissemination of disinformation, misinformation, hate speech, gambling and prostitution, among others. MOCIT have submitted the draft guidelines to the Ministry of Finance for review and consensus. Following this, the draft will be forwarded to the Ministry of Law for further input. Once approved from the Ministry of Law, the draft will be presented to the Council of Ministers for final approval.
Digital Rights Nepal is concerned that the government has not followed the established practice of soliciting comments and suggestions from the stakeholders on the draft and urge the concerned agency to solicit inputs from the stakeholders before submitting it to the cabinet for approval.
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FDI in Nepal’s Information and Communication Sector Surges in 2021/22
Nepal’s information and communication sector witnessed a significant boost in foreign direct investment (FDI) during the fiscal year 2021/22, as revealed by the Nepal Rastra Bank’s (NRB) survey report for the period.
In the fiscal year 2021/22, FDI in Nepal’s information and communication sector reached NRP 12.73 billion, a substantial increase from the NRP 10.85 billion recorded in FY 2020/21. This translates to a remarkable increment of Rs 1.87 billion, reflecting a notable 17.3 percent surge in FDI for the information and communication sector compared to the previous fiscal year.
NTA Seeks Stakeholder Input on Cyber Security By-laws Amendment
The Nepal Telecommunication Authority (NTA) is seeking input from stakeholders to amend the Cyber Security By-laws, 2077 BS. The notice has re-released on 22 September, which was first released on 2 August, the NTA has called for opinions, advice, and suggestions from the concerned parties regarding the proposed amendments to the by-laws. Stakeholder and specifically, telecom service providers, have been specifically asked to provide their feedback within 14 days from the date of publication of the notice, addressing any issues and matters that require amendment in the existing by-laws.
Surge in Wired Internet Users in Nepal
Nepal has witnessed a significant surge in the number of individuals accessing the internet through wired (optical fiber) connections, according to the latest Telecommunications Indicator released by the Nepal Telecommunication Authority (NTA) up to Jestha 2080.
The NTA data reveals that the count of internet users availing services through internet service providers (ISPs) has reached an impressive 11,764,350 as of Jestha. NTA calculates 4.37 users per single wired internet connection. The total number of internet connections recorded was 2,692,074 in Jestha, compared to 2,647,379 in Baisakh, resulting in a total of 11,569,046 internet users. In Jestha, there was a noteworthy increase of 195,304 users, indicating a growth rate of 1.68 percent compared to the Baisakh figures.
DAO Khotang Calls for Responsible Social Media Use
The District Administration Office (DAO) Khotang has issued a plea to the residents of the district, urging them to refrain from engaging in activities that disrupt social harmony on social media platforms. This call to action came during an all-party meeting convened under the leadership of Chief District Officer Santa Bahadur Sunar, held on a Wednesday.
During the meeting, participants expressed deep concerns about the escalating trend of character assassination and the promotion of undesirable activities on social media. They emphasized the pressing need to discourage such behavior for the greater good of the community. The gathering included chiefs and representatives from various political parties, local-level people’s representatives, relevant organizations, and members of the journalistic community..
Scam Alert!!!
Fifiia Online Betting Scam!!!
Nepal Police have expanded their investigation to include activities related to the online platform known as “Fifiia betting.” The Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office has been actively pursuing individuals involved in various online networking scams. Police spokesperson Rabindra Regmi revealed that there has been a notable surge in the number of people investing their funds in FiFiia in recent times. For more information:
Fifiia online betting scam: bettors’ stress, scrutiny grows (techmandu.com)
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National Seminar on Online Space and Right to Information: Opportunities and Challenges
On September 28, 2023, in commemoration of the International Day for Universal Access to Information, Digital Rights Nepal (DRN) and the National Information Commission (NIC) collaborated to host the “National Seminar on Online Space and Right to Information: Opportunities and Challenges.” The event attended by the Minister of Communication and Information Technology Ms. Rekha Sharma drew participation from various dignitaries, including Information commissioners, government secretaries, heads of public bodies, information officers, civil society representatives, media, academics, information technology experts, and communication professionals.
During the seminar, Mr. Santosh Sigdel, Executive Director, Digital Rights Nepal presented a working paper, shedding light on pertinent issues concerning Online Space and Right to Information. Information Commissioner Mr. Ratna Prasad Mainali, Joint Secretary Mr. Anil Dutt, and Sancharika Samuha President Ms. Bimala Tumkheva provided valuable comments and insights to enrich the discussions.
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Advancing Evidence-Based Policy-Making through Data Management’
On 25 September, 2023, Digital Rights Nepal organized an event in collaboration with Data for Development and Open Knowledge Nepal at Lekbesi Municipality, Surkhet to promote evidence-based policy-making through the use of legal and technical instruments for data management. During the event partners and officials from the Lekbesi Municipality explored the steps of data management, reviewed the roll-out of Integrated Data Management System (IDMS) system and delved into the development of implementation guidelines for IDMS. Following the meeting’s outcome, DRN has initiated the process of developing IDMS Implementation Guidelines in collaboration with Lekbesi Municipality and other. |
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Digital Rights on Nepal
In a DRAPAC series discussion on Digital Rights in Nepal organized on 29 September, the focus was on the recently-passed National Cyber Security Policy. While the policy aimed to establish a legal framework for cybersecurity in Nepal, it raised concerns about potential threats to freedom of expression, privacy, and fundamental human rights. Digital Rights Nepal’s Executive Director, Santosh Sigdel, and journalist-academic Samik Kharel led the conversation.
Mr. Sigdel highlighted concerns like government-owned internet infrastructure and a national internet gateway, not initially in the policy proposal, and reservations about procurement provisions, stressing transparency. They both emphasized the importance of a functioning democracy where people can question the government without fear and expressed concerns about the policy undermining democratic institutions and civil society, and called for collective action to address these issues proactively.
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Publications!!!
Report on the State of the Digital Decade
The inaugural “ State of the Digital Decade” report assesses the European Union’s progress in achieving a successful digital transformation, as outlined in the Digital Decade Policy Programme 2030.
This report underscores the imperative to expedite and deepen collective endeavors, which encompass policy measures and investments in digital technologies, skills, and infrastructure. Building upon these premises, the report provides concrete recommendations to Member States in anticipation of their adoption of national strategic roadmaps and future adjustments.
For more: 2023 Report on the state of the Digital Decade | Shaping Europe’s digital future (europa.eu)
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Opportunity!!!
Register to attain IGF 2023
The 18th annual IGF meeting will be hosted in a hybrid format from 8 to 12 October in Kyoto, Japan. All online and onsite participants needs register through the UN Accreditation System until 3 October 2023, 23:59 UTC. For this you needs to create an account at this UN Accreditation System beforehand (if not owning one yet) and register electronically prior to the event.
For registration: 18th Annual Meeting of the Internet Governance Forum (8-12 October 2023): Overview · Indico.UN
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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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