Election Code of Conduct in Effect
On the pretext of the National Assembly Election scheduled on 25 January 2024, the Election Code of Conduct has come into effect from 16 January until the completion of the election. The code expressly prohibits actions that may have adverse effects on the election, such as campaigning, creating electronic materials, or publishing on social media without sharing previously published content from others. Additionally, a 48-hour ban on campaigning through social media and other platforms is in effect, commencing from the final 48 hours leading up to the voting day.
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Digital Payment Surges in Nepal
Mobile banking payments in Nepal have witnessed a substantial uptake according to Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) report, reaching NPR 2.6 billion in Mangsir 2080, reflecting a robust 64.63% increase compared to the previous year’s NPR 1.6 billion in Mangsir 2079. Notably, the number of mobile banking users has also surged from 1.97 crore to 2.26 crore within the same timeframe, underscoring a significant rise in the adoption of mobile-based financial transactions.
Parliamentary Committee Takes Interest in MDMS and TERAMOCS
The Education, Health, and Information Technology Committee of the House of Representatives has instructed the government to provide documents on the Mobile Device Management System (MDMS) and Telecommunication Traffic Monitoring and Fraud Control System (TERAMOCS). During a meeting on 18 January, the committee directed the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology to promptly submit documents concerning payment, policy decisions, and the rationale for implementation.
NTC Expands FTTH Internet to 74 Districts
Nepal Telecom (NTC) has expanded its Fiber to the Home (FTTH) internet and voice service to 74 districts, including the recent addition of East Rukum. The FTTH service was inaugurated in Rukumkot by Minister of Communication and Information Technology Rekha Sharma. The minister expressed pride in the widespread coverage and urged NTC to extend the service to the remaining three districts. Additionally, she emphasized the need to expand the fiber service from district to municipality and ward levels, highlighting ongoing efforts to prioritize information technology in 19 districts, including earthquake-affected areas like Jajarkot and Rukum West.
NT to Enhance Telecom Services in 19 Districts
On 14 January, Nepal Telecom (NT) launched a project for the development of model telecommunication services in 19 districts, aiming to deliver uninterrupted high-quality services through modern technology. Dr. Bimal Acharya, the Telecom Manager, stated that this unit will facilitate the advancement of telecommunication services in the designated model districts. The initial phase includes Morang, Khotang, Udayapur, and others, with the objective of providing top-notch telecommunication services across settlements, highways, tourist destinations, and religious sites.
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Scam Alert
NEPSE Unveils Fake App with Over 100,000 Downloads
NEPSE has discovered a fraudulent app on the Play Store, falsely claiming to be an official NEPSE application, with over 100,000 downloads since its 2015 release. The spokesperson, Murahari Parajuli, confirmed the app’s unauthorized status, highlighting that NEPSE has not released any official app and currently has no plans to do so. Notably, the app, named NEPSE and attributed to the developer NEPSE, has been flagged as fake for the past two years as users reported issues. Parajuli disclosed that the app’s developer had unsuccessfully attempted to sell it to NEPSE, and warnings were issued regarding potential actions against the deceptive app. |
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NRB Warns Against Misuse of Governor Maha Prasad Adhikari’s Identity on Social Media
Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has issued a warning regarding the misuse of Governor Maha Prasad Adhikari’s name and image. The central bank cautions the public about instances where individuals have created WhatsApp accounts using the Governor’s identity on social media. The notice emphasizes the need for vigilance and caution to prevent any unauthorized interactions. |
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DRN Activity
Stakeholder Consulted on Information Integrity
On January 18, the UN Information Center in Kathmandu organized a Stakeholder’s Consultation on Information Integrity in response to the UN Secretary General’s Policy Brief on the same topic. Digital Rights Nepal facilitated the consultation, where stakeholders from various sectors engaged in purposeful dialogue, contributing valuable insights and recommendations based on the principles outlined in the SG’s Policy Brief. Mr. Santosh Sigdel, DRN’s executive director, presented key points and emphasized the importance of a UN Code of Conduct, discussing its potential impact on creating a safer digital space. Participants actively provided input on the nine proposed principles.
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Opportunity
KMC to Host Cyber Security Training!!!
Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has launched a comprehensive cybersecurity training initiative under the project “Kathmandu’s Prosperity: Employment, and Income Generation”. The goal is to train 15,000 individuals and provide employment to 5,000 people, with an initial focus on 4,000 participants. The training program, formally launched on 16 January, involves collaboration with EC-Council and GAP Technologies to achieve its objectives.
To Apply: तालिम लिन इच्छुक व्यक्तिहरुले भर्नुपर्ने फाराम (google.com)
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Publication
Digital Payment
The Women in Data Nepal, as part of the Women Entrepreneurship Data (WEData) Nepal project, has released Module 5: Digital Payment. Developed by the Women in Data Steering Committee, this module covers various aspects, including an overview of digital payments, the landscape of digital payments in Nepal, types of payment methods, procedural details like transaction limits and costs, and security measures.
To access module: Digital payment (womenindatanepal.org)
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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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