TERAMOCS Controversy Continues!!!
The Public Accounts Committee of the House of Representatives directed to postpone the implementation of the Telecommunication Traffic Monitoring and Fraud Control System (TERAMOCS). In a meeting held on 12 October, the committee instructed the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MoCIT) and the Nepal Telecommunication Authority (NTA) to halt the implementation of TERAMOCS.
Various advocacy groups have been advocating against the implementation of TERAMOCS, contending that it may infringe upon people’s privacy rights by potentially monitoring citizens’ phone communications. NTA has consistently defended TERAMOCS, asserting that system’s purpose is to gauge national and international call volumes, assess service provider revenues, thwart fraudulent activities, uphold service quality and that it won’t grant access to customers’ personal information through this system. Additionally, NTA also organized an event to provide technical information about TERAMOCS, where Mohammed Herbs, a technical advisor at Vanrise Solutions, which supplies TERAMOCS, clarified that the system is not intended for call monitoring.
Furthermore, the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) is investigating into TERAMOCS, examining all relevant documents dating back to its inception. The CIAA has already interviewed and recorded statements from the chairperson, board members, and officials of the Nepal Telecommunication Authority. The CIAA has also questioned and recorded statements from consultants who were initially involved in TERAMOCS.
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IGF 2023 Concluded
The Internet Governance Forum (IGF) convened by the United Nations Secretary-General and hosted this year by the Government of Japan, is the global multistakeholder forum concerned with the Internet and the rapid transformation of society that results from digital development. The IGF meetings facilitate the exchange of information and the sharing of good policies and practices related to key elements of Internet governance in order to foster the sustainability, robustness, security, stability and development of the Internet. DRN Executive Director, Santosh Sigdel, participated the event in-person and contributed in a number of sessions including the ones organized by the UNESCO on “Advancing digital inclusion and human-rights: ROAM-X approach” and “Human Rights Law and Global Digital Compact”, organized by the dynamic coalition on internet rights and principles. The global forum was useful to gain insights into the ongoing development in the domain of internet governance and highlight the issues countries are dealing within.
Government to Crack Down on Unlicensed Use and Sale of Walkie-Talkies
The Department of Information and Broadcasting has stated its commitment to address the issue of illegal usage and unauthorized sales of walkie-talkie and radio equipment. The department will take action against individuals involved in the unlawful import and sale of such equipment, emphasizing the need for proper licensing. The Radio Act of 2014 and the Radio (Communication) License Rules of 2049, require license for both using and distributing walkie-talkies and radio equipment.
SEBON Launches Chatbot Services for Investor Support
The Securities Board of Nepal (SEBON) has introduced chatbot services on its website to assist and resolve investor complaints electronically. This initiative was announced during the World Investor Week 2023 event in Kathmandu, where SEBON’s Chairman, Ramesh Kumar Hamal, highlighted the importance of this service. Investors can now use the chatbot to convey their queries and complaints, and SEBON is dedicated to addressing these issues.
India Issues Strict Warnings to Social Media Giants Over Child Sexual Abuse Content
The Indian government has issued notices to social media platforms, including X (formerly, Twitter), YouTube, and Telegram, requiring them to ensure there is no child sexual abuse material on their platforms. The government has warned companies could be stripped of their protection from legal liability under section 79 of the IT Act, if they don’t comply. The notices also call for the implementation of measures like content moderation algorithms and reporting mechanisms to prevent the dissemination of child sexual abuse material in the future.
EU Issues Urgent Warning to Meta and X Over Disinformation Post Hamas Attack
The EU has imposed a 24-hour deadline for Meta to respond over the spread of “disinformation” on Meta’s social media platforms after Hamas’ attack on Israel and ensure compliance with European legal regulations. The conflict has witnessed a notable increase in misleading content, such as manipulated images and mislabeled videos, across various social media platforms. Thierry Breton, the EU’s industry chief, has asked Meta to inform the EU within 24 hours about the “appropriate and effective” measures implemented to combat the dissemination of disinformation on their platforms. Concurrently, the European Commission has reinforced the legal obligations of all social media companies to prevent the dissemination of harmful content associated with the Palestinian militant group Hamas, which has been classified as a terrorist organization within the EU.
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Opportunities
Apply for internet Society Youth Ambassador
The Internet Society annually selects fifteen passionate young individuals to join its Youth Ambassador Program, aimed at preparing the future Internet leaders to collaborate and drive innovation for a brighter world. If you’re between the ages of 18-30 and eager to deepen your subject expertise in Internet governance through online training, don’t miss the opportunity to apply. The application deadline is October 20, 2023, at 23:59 UTC.
Apply: Youth Ambassador Program – Internet Society
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Publication
Juniper Research Reveals Key Insights in Digital Identity Verification Landscape
Juniper Research has recently unveiled a research report that offers valuable insights into the digital identity verification landscape. This comprehensive market forecast spans across 8 key regions and 60 countries, Nepal included, providing a wealth of data on various critical aspects. The report dissects the volume and value of digital identity verification checks, shedding light on the average cost per check. These metrics are further categorized into essential segments, including banking, eGovernment, eCommerce, and other sectors. Key statistics from the report indicate a significant increase in the volume of verification checks, with 61 billion checks in 2023, growing to 71 billion checks in 2024, marking a substantial 16% overall growth in this critical sector.
Full read at : Digital Identity Verification Market Report (juniperresearch.com) |
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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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