NTA Issued Ultimatum to Cancel Licenses of Operators
The Nepal Telecommunication Authority (NTA) has issued a stern warning to
55 internet service providers (ISPs), threatening to cancel their licenses for non-cooperation in enforcing the ban on TikTok. In a notice dated 28 November, the NTA emphasized that failure to respond within the next 24 hours would result in the initiation of the license cancellation process. The NTA had previously directed all ISPs and mobile service providers to promptly implement the government’s decision to ban TikTok on 13 November.
Additionally, the NTA conducted
inspections and investigations on 17 ISPs, revealing that TikTok was completely closed in only six, while it continued to operate in the remaining 11. The NTA has sought clarification from these providers under the Telecommunication Act, questioning why actions should not be taken against them for non-compliance with the TikTok ban.
Apoorwa Kshitiz Singh deemed ‘partially’ guilty and fined Rs 10,000
The Kathmandu District Court has imposed a fine of Rs 10,000 on comedian Apoorwa Kshitiz Singh, holding him partially responsible for offenses related to public peace, caste discrimination, and untouchability. Singh was arrested on August 28, 2022, following a complaint from Newa activists who alleged that one of his performances disrespected their community and culture. Despite issuing an apology video in response to social media backlash, Singh was arrested and placed in custody. On October 21, 2022, the Kathmandu District Court instructed the police to release Singh on bail of Rs 250,000.
Nepal Government Plans New Social Media Legislation
The government is all set to introduce a social media bill to enhance the scope of recently implemented social media guidelines. On 29 November, the cabinet granted policy approval for drafting the ‘National Mass Communication Bill,’ ‘Nepal Media Council Bill,’ and ‘Regulation of Social Media Usages (Operation and Management) Bill’. It is reported that the Ministry has already started the drafting of the bill and it will incorporate provisions of the contentious Social Media Guidelines issued earlier.
Government Contemplates expanding ban in Social Media Apps
The government is contemplating the prohibition of various social media apps, including Snapchat, Bigo Live, Tinder, and Telegram, following the earlier ban on TikTok in November. Citing concerns about negative content and misinformation, the Prime Minister’s IT expert, Prakash Rayamajhi, expressed the government’s apprehensions and emphasized a thorough examination of the technical aspects and societal impacts. According to him, A team of experts has been formed to assess the apps and provide recommendations, with their report expected in the coming weeks.
95% of Internet Users Engage on Social media Platforms Globally
A recent report revealed that nearly 95% of all Internet users are now active on various social media platforms, marking a 4% increase from the previous year. As of October, there were 5.3 billion Internet users worldwide, constituting 65.7% of the global population. This signifies a growth of 189 million users, a 3.7% year-over-year increase, according to data from OnlyAccounts.io. Among these users, 4.95 billion, or 61.4% of the world’s population, were engaged on social media platforms. Notably, the statistics indicate that the number of social media users has outpaced the growth of the global internet population, with a 4.5% increase and approximately 215 million people joining the social media space since last year.
Unified Payment System Directive to enable Seamless Wallet Interoperability in Nepal
Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has introduced the Unified Directive on Payment System-2080, revolutionizing fund transfers for payment service providers. This directive enables wallet users to easily transfer money across various platforms. interoperability and access provisions of the directive specify that electronic wallets must support interoperability, allowing funds to be transferred between wallets operated by different payment service providers.
Currently, Nepal has 27 payment service providers, and this new arrangement aims to facilitate the transfer of funds between wallets associated with different providers.
Amazon to Host Free AI Training to 20 Lakh People
Amazon, the renowned e-commerce platform, has unveiled the ‘AI Ready’ initiative, aiming to deliver free AI skills training to 2 million individuals worldwide by 2025. Comprising eight complimentary courses, these classes will be accessible on Amazon’s learning website, extending the opportunity to non-Amazon personnel as well. The curriculum covers a spectrum of AI skills, including the cutting-edge generative AI technology behind ChatGPT and similar language models. Tailored for both beginners and advanced users, the courses cater to individuals in technical and tech-adjacent roles. Among them, three courses target business and nontechnical users, while five are specifically crafted for developers and technical audiences.
Spectrolite UK Ltd. Acquires Axiata Group’s 80% Stake in Ncell for $50 Million
Axiata Group has divested its Ncell shares to the UK-based company Spectrolite UK Ltd. for a fixed sum of $50 million. This acquisition involves 80% of the Malaysian telecommunications giant’s stake in Ncell, marking a strategic move towards a swift departure from the Nepalese market. Spectrolite UK Ltd., a recently established company, spearheads this acquisition with investments from the Acharya brothers, Satishlal Acharya and Sachinlal Acharya.
The decision to sell and exit Ncell was previously announced by Axiata Group, attributing the move to escalating business challenges in Nepal. Axiata Group gained control of Ncell by acquiring 80% of its shares from TeliaSonera, a Swedish telecom giant, seven years ago in 2015. The decision to divest from Ncell and sell its assets stems from a statement released on 29 November, citing a significant downturn in revenue and losses incurred by Axiata Group due to Ncell. Axiata Group highlights that Ncell’s total revenue, which stood at 1.5 billion Malaysian Ringgit in 2022, has witnessed a decline to approximately 980 million Malaysian Ringgit in 2023.
NTA Calls for Experts: Establishing a Roster for Telecom/ICT Consulting Services
The Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) is initiating the creation of a roster for experts providing consulting services in Telecom/ICT, following the provisions of Bylaw 22 of NTA Procurement Bylaw, 2073. The standing list will remain effective throughout the fiscal year 2080/81. The notice details 26 types of consulting services for which the NTA seeks expertise. Interested applicants, whether independent consultants or consulting firms, are required to submit attested copies of specific documents along with their applications. These applications will be processed through the online portal available on the NTA website for inclusion in the standing list for the specified consulting services.
Indian Hacker Group Targeted Nepal’s Government Entities
Vairav Technology has released a report titled “ADVANCED PERSISTENT THREAT (APT) SIDEWINDER: TARGETED INCURSIONS AIMED AT NEPAL’S GOVERNMENTAL ENTITIES,” revealing that an Indian hacker group has deployed malware to infiltrate government devices. The report asserts that the group hacked into the email accounts of employees at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers. The investigation by Vairav Technology focused on a suspicious malicious document circulating via email, targeting various Nepal Government agencies, including the Office of the Prime Minister & Council of Ministers, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Public Procurement Monitoring Office, Federal Parliament, and National Information Technology Center.
