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**Celebrating 100th Edition of the Digital Rights Weekly**
Dear Readers, Collaborators, and Partners,
We are thrilled to announce the 100th edition of the Digital Rights Weekly! Since embarking on this journey on June 3, 2022, we have steadfastly dedicated ourselves to exploring and advocating for critical and sensitive issues surrounding digital rights, laws, policies, and governance. Our mission through each edition has been to inform, advocate, and facilitate access to information, enabling everyone to navigate and influence the digital landscape effectively in Nepal. We have also used this newsletter to spotlight various opportunities and publications related to ICT, digital rights, and governance, as well as to share our engagements and activities with all of you.
As we celebrate this milestone, we extend our deepest gratitude to each of you. Your continuous engagement and support have been indispensable. A special thanks also goes to our dedicated collaborators and partners, whose contributions have been vital in enriching our content and expanding our reach.
Looking ahead, we remain committed to delivering insightful analysis and fostering a community dedicated to defending and promoting digital rights for all.
Thank you for being a part of our journey.
Warm regards,
Santosh Sigdel
Executive Director
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Blame game Over Internet Outages in Nepal
On May 2, coinciding with National ICT Day, Nepal experienced a significant internet outage that sparked a flurry of accusations among various stakeholders. The Nepal Telecommunication Authority (NTA), Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MoCIT), and the Internet Service Providers Association Nepal (ISPAN) all issued statements outlining their perspectives and assigning blame for the disruptions.
The NTA attributed the outage to some Internet Service Providers (ISPs), who had failed to receive the necessary foreign currency approvals for allegedly not fulfilling the regulatory obligations. Furthermore, the NTA warned ISPs against causing intentional disruptions, noting possible legal consequences. MoCIT’s statement echoed the NTA’s, highlighting similar concerns and reiterating the need for ISPs to adhere to regulatory standards to avoid such issues in the future. Meanwhile, ISPAN blamed both the NTA and MoCIT for the disruptions, arguing that delays in handling foreign currency transactions to pay Airtel were at the heart of the problem. ISPAN acknowledged that despite ISPs regularly paying the mandated fees, the approval process for foreign exchange payments remained a persistent issue, risking further service disruptions.
The continuous blame game among these stakeholders does not contribute to a lasting solution to ensure reliable internet service, which is critical for consumer rights and national development. Government Dissolved the NITC
The government of Nepal has decided to dissolve the National Information Technology Centre (NITC). A resolution passed during the Council of Ministers’ meeting on May 2 has officially abolished the NITC and merged its functions with the Department of Information Technology (DoIT). This decision follows the announcement in the budget for fiscal year 2080/81, which stated the intention to phase out the NITC and consolidate its operations under the DoIT. This move aims to streamline and enhance the efficiency of IT governance in the country, ensuring a more coordinated approach to technology development and implementation. National Startup Enterprise Policy 2080 Endorsed
Government of Nepal has officially approved the National Startup Enterprise Policy, 2080, aimed at fostering a supportive environment for emerging businesses. This cabinet decision of May 29 on this officially recognizes startup enterprises as distinct business entities. However, under the current Industrial Enterprises Act, these startups will be categorized under cottage and small-scale industries until specific registration protocols are established. The policy focuses on enhancing financial access, transferring essential knowledge, skills, and technology to entrepreneurs, and upgrading existing startups.
NTC Secures GSM License for 5 Years
Nepal Telecom (NTC) has received a new license for the GSM Mobile service from the telecom regulator, Telecommunication Authority (NTA), before the expiry of the existing license on 10 May 2024. NTC had expressed its desire to continue cellular services by sending a letter to the NTA in January this year. According to regulations, companies must clarify their intent to continue service three months before the license term ends. To pave the way for continuity of the NTC mobile services, the Council of Ministers had decided to allocate a new license.
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Exciting Opportunity!!!
Join the Digital Rights School Across Nepal
Digital Rights Nepal (DRN), in collaboration with the Nepal-U.S. Alumni Network (NUSAN), is excited to announce a series of two-day intensive Digital Rights Schools across Nepal. Our goal is to empower young people with essential digital literacy skills, promote safe online practices, and raise awareness about digital rights and responsibilities. Join us in these transformative events to shape a safer and more inclusive digital landscape.
Why Digital Rights School:
– Skill Enhancement: Enhance your digital literacy and security skills.
– Rights Knowledge: Understand and defend your digital rights.
– Expert Guidance: Learn from experienced digital rights and tech professionals.
– Networking: Connect with peers and industry experts.
-Practical Learning: Engage in hands-on, interactive sessions.
-Advocacy: Become a champion for equitable digital practices.
Event Details:
American Corner Surkhet – Karnali Province
Date: 24 -25th May
Location: Surkhet, Nepal
Availability: 30 Seats
American Corner Dhangadhi – Sudurpaschim Province
Date: 27- 28th May
Location: Dhangadhi, Nepal
Availability: 30 Seats
American Corner Pokhara – Gandaki Province
Date: Last week of June
Location: Pokhara, Nepal
Availability: 30 Seats
American Corner Bhairahawa – Lumbini Province
Date: Last week of June
Location: Bhairahawa, Nepal
Availability: 30 Seats
Madesh Province- Janakpur
Date: Last week of July
Location: Janakpur, Nepal
Availability: 30 Seats
American Corner Biratnagar – Koshi Province
Date: Last week of July
Location: Biratnagar, Nepal
Availability: 30 Seats
i-Hub Kathmandu: Bagmati Province
Date: Second week of September
Location: Kathmandu, Nepal
Availability: 30 Seats
Who May Apply:
-Nepali youth aged 18-45 with an interest in digital rights and digital safety
-Individuals with basic digital literacy skills.
-Members of civil society organizations, student groups, or tech enthusiasts.
Please Note:
-Limited seats are available, priority will be given to applicants demonstrating a strong interest and commitment to the objectives of the Digital Rights School.
-Long distance travel expenses and accomodation will not be covered. Thus, individuals are encouraged to apply for the school organized in the province they are located.
Apply from here https://school.digitalrightsnepal.org/application by May 20
Embrace this opportunity to contribute to a safer digital future for Nepal. Apply now and join the movement!
#opportunity #DigitalRights #DigitalSafety
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Publication
Challenges Persist on Nepal’s Press Freedom
Freedom Forum’s latest annual report, titled “Challenges Persist on Nepal’s Press Freedom,” details a troubling rise in press freedom violations in Nepal. The report documents a significant increase in such incidents, with 60 recorded violations affecting 88 media personnel—77 males and 11 females, along with three media houses between May 1, 2023, to April 30, 2024. This marks an escalation from the previous year, which saw 40 incidents affecting 79 individuals and four media houses. Key issues highlighted in the report include the rise of populist politics impacting journalistic practices, a lack of action on law and policy reform, ongoing impunity for crimes against journalists, continued financial decline of media organizations, and thriving digital media landscape.
To access full report: Freedom forumAssessing Child Rights in Digital Environment
The rapid advancement of technology and the internet offers significant benefits but also exposes children to various risks. Under international guidelines like the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, companies are expected to manage these risks, particularly regarding children’s rights in the digital world. In response, UNICEF has launched a project to assess the impact of digital business activities on child rights and is developing new guidance to enhance protection. Initial findings from this project are available, with comprehensive guidance expected by late 2024.
To access finding: Child Rights Impact Assessments in Relation to the Digital Environment | UNICEF
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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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