| Nepal Police Monitoring Social Media: Beyond Jurisdiction?
On October 25, 2024, the Nepal Police Cyber Bureau issued a public notice announcing that it has been actively monitoring social media platforms, including YouTube, in an effort to curb content that undermines religious harmony or fuels communal discord. This announcement followed the recent arrest of an individual accused of disseminating audio-visual content deemed to disturb religious tolerance, spread hatred, and disrupt harmony between castes and communities. The accused was charged under Nepal’s Electronic Transaction Act (ETA), 2063 BS, and has been remanded in police custody for four days by the Kathmandu District Court.
This raises critical questions regarding the scope and boundaries of Nepal Police’s authority under existing legal frameworks. The Nepal Police’s involvement in social media monitoring, in this case, has sparked debate on whether such activities exceed the bounds of their legally designated powers, setting a concerning precedent for surveillance without a transparent mandate.
This situation highlights the need for clearer digital laws to define the roles and limits of authorities in social media surveillance, ensuring that citizens’ privacy and freedom of expression are protected alongside national security and public order interests. | | | Government Expands ‘Nagarik App’ for Public Service Delivery The government has accelerated the integration of the ‘Nagarik App’ with various public services, making it easier for citizens to access essential services digitally. From 20 October, drivers can now display their licenses through the app, eliminating the need for physical licenses. Traffic police may also e-challans for traffic rules violations, which can be paid instantly via mobile banking or digital wallets. In addition to providing access to public utilities, the app also facilitates services like obtaining a Permanent Account Number (PAN), registering complaints via Hello Government, and receiving police character certificates. The government aims to make the app a one-stop solution for accessing government services, significantly reducing the need to carry physical documents. NTA Revokes Licenses of Three Internet Service Providers for Non-Compliance The Nepal Telecommunication Authority (NTA) has taken significant action by revoking the service licenses of three internet service providers: Regmi Media e. Pvt. Ltd., Life Net Pvt. Ltd., and Data Communication Pvt. Ltd. In a series of notices issued on different dates, the NTA announced that the licenses of these companies have been canceled due to non-compliance with the Telecommunication Act 2053. Brazil’s Collective Defense Institute Sues TikTok, Kwai, and Meta Over Child Protection
Brazil’s Collective Defense Institute, a consumer rights group, has filed two lawsuits seeking 3 billion reais ($525.27 million) from TikTok, Kwai, and Meta Platforms for allegedly failing to implement safeguards against minors’ indiscriminate use of their platforms. The lawsuits call for clear data protection measures and warnings about the mental health risks associated with social media addiction among children and teenagers. In response, Meta highlighted its efforts to ensure safe experiences for young users, citing over 50 tools and a forthcoming “Teen Account” feature on Instagram. TikTok stated it had not received notice of the lawsuits, while Kwai reaffirmed its commitment to user safety, especially for minors. | | | Publications Guide on Mobile Forensic Analysis Released by Greater Internet Freedom Greater Internet Freedom has released the first part of a five-part guide titled Mobile Forensic Analysis: A Case Study Walkthrough – Part 01 – Starting a Case and Preliminary Triage. The guide provides a thorough walkthrough of a forensic investigation into an Android device potentially infected with stalkerware, specifically the malicious app “TheTruthSpy.” The guide emphasizes consensual forensics, prioritizing a respectful, do-no-harm approach to address the unique challenges in the CSO context, where tools are limited compared to law enforcement forensics. Full read available at : https://greaterinternetfreedom.org/course/mobile-forensic-analysis-a-case-study-walkthrough-part-01-starting-a-case-and-preliminary-triage/ | | | | Opportunity Ncell Foundation Launches “19 for 19” Grant for Community Projects Ncell Foundation has announced the “19 for 19” community grant, inviting non-profits to apply for funding aimed at enhancing education, health, environment, and disaster preparedness across Nepal. This CSR initiative, worth over Rs. 19 million, celebrates Ncell’s 19th anniversary by supporting 19 community projects with Rs. 1 million each across all seven provinces. The Foundation seeks applications from organizations focused on sustainable, impactful projects with clear, scalable goals. According to Bishakha Lakshmi Khadka, Head of Corporate Communications and CSR at Ncell, “19 for 19” reinforces Ncell’s dedication to community empowerment. | | | 📉 Nepal’s Cybersecurity Ranking Drops 📉
Despite recent progress, such as the Cybersecurity Policy 2023 and the launch of the National Cybersecurity Center in 2024, Nepal’s global cybersecurity ranking declined from 94 to 100 between 2020 and 2024. This setback highlights the urgent need for stronger measures, including a comprehensive Cybersecurity Act, specialized institutions, and cyber forensic standards and facilities. The infographic below showcases Nepal’s current cybersecurity status—let’s commit to building a safer digital future!
#GlobalCybersecurityIndex #CyberSecurityNepal #DigitalNepal #CyberSecurity #DigitalRightsNepal | | | | 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. | | | |
