Government Main Server Faced DDoS Attack The Nepal government’s main server faced cyberattacks on 31 December and 1 January, resulting in disruptions to numerous government websites under gov.np domain. According to the National Information Technology Centre, the websites have gone offline due to distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks which are a subclass of denial of service (DoS) attacks. Recurring DDoS attacks highlight the vulnerability of government cybersecurity, impacting services and constitutional rights such as information access and data privacy. Digital Rights Nepal urges the government to prioritize and address these cybersecurity concerns promptly. | | | MoCIT Published Social Media (Usage and Regulation) Bill, 2080 for Public Consultation The Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (MoCIT) has formulated a draft “Social Media (Usage and Regulation) Bill 2080” and released it for public consultation on 27 December 2023. The ministry has allocated a 15-day period for the public to offer insights and suggestions on the bill. In November 2023, Nepal government adopted the Social Media Regulation Directives, which has been criticized by the media and civil society citing overbroad provisions and encroachment to the online freedom of expression. Probe Reveals Irregularities in NTA’s MDMS Purchase Dozens of irregularities have surfaced in the procurement of the Mobile Device Management System (MDMS), intended to be implemented by the Nepal Telecommunication Authority (NTA), to curb mobile imports from the grey market. Corruption-related discrepancies have been identified throughout the entire process, encompassing the tendering procedure for MDMS purchase and consultant selection. Preliminary investigations indicate corruption involving figures in the billions, not crores, particularly in the selection of vendors. Investigation Committee, formed by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MoCIT) to investigate policy decisions, budget management, procurement processes, and other issues related to MDMS has unveiled the involvement of current and former NTA office-bearers and employees, including Chairman Purushottam Khanal. The investigation report has been forwarded to the CIAA, which is poised to conduct statements and inquiries with the implicated employees and officials in the near future. Installment of AITS Cameras: Kathmandu under Surveillance
Artificial Intelligence Traffic System (AITS) cameras have been placed along the Koteshwor-Tinkune section in Kathmandu through a collaboration between the Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) and the Kathmandu Valley Police Office. Implemented by E3 Sales and Service, the Number Plate Recognition System (NPRS) technology is utilized for monitoring vehicle movements in this section. The cameras record number plates, track lane adherence, classify different vehicle types, record and analyze the driver and passenger activities within a 25-meter radius. All data, servers, and control centers are centralized at Ranipokhari. In the absence of specific laws regulating the use of data gathered through CCTV, the implementation of advanced surveillance technology raises concerns about potential data misuse. This situation poses a direct threat to citizens’ constitutional right to privacy, hence the need for appropriate legal safeguards and regulations. TERAMOCS Controversies Continues!!
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the House of Representatives has directed the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) to investigate potential irregularities in the procurement process of the Telecommunication Traffic Monitoring and Fraud Control System (TERAMOCS). The PAC, in a meeting on 26 December, identified several questionable areas, prompting a deeper examination. The committee has posed 15 questions regarding the TERAMOCS purchase, raising concerns about unclear financial justifications, issues with the procurement process and potential involvement of officials. The PAC emphasizes the need for a thorough investigation and has instructed the CIAA to submit a progress report within 30 days. On a related development, Supreme Court has directed full hearing of two public interest writ petitions related to the TERAMOCS issue. | | | Stakeholder Discussion on Social Media (Usage and Regulation) Bill, 2080
On 5 January 2024, Digital Rights Nepal (DRN) hosted a stakeholder discussion focusing on the “Social Media (Usage and Regulation) Bill, 2080” with the goal of examining the bill through a rights-based approach. The primary objective was to offer recommendations to the Ministry within the designated timeframe. Various stakeholders, including representatives from civil societies, journalists, lawyers, and academia, actively participated in the discussion, contributing to the identification of underlying issues in the draft bill.
DRN is currently in the process of reviewing the bill and plans to provide suggestions to the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MoCIT) within the specified timeframe. | | | | Opportunity VSIG Registration now Open!!
The Virtual School of Internet Governance (VSIG) is now accepting registrations for Group J ENGLISH COHORT, set to begin on January 22, 2024. As a free Massive Open Online Courseware (MOOC), VSIG is committed to the fundamental principles of Internet Governance across multiple modules. It’s important to note that limited space and a high volume of requests do not ensure acceptance. Interested individuals are encouraged to apply before the early January deadline to secure your spot.
To apply: Virtual School on Internet Governance: Group J Registration Form: Jan 22, 2024 to April 13, 2024 (google.com) ‘Advocating and Campaigning Against Internet Shutdowns’
Advocacy Assembly introduced its newest course titled “Advocating and Campaigning Against Internet Shutdowns.” Tailored for civil society organizations and grassroots activists, this course is designed to equip participants with practical advice, tactics, and strategies to mobilize and combat internet shutdowns. The curriculum is especially beneficial for individuals or organizations with limited resources, offering actionable insights to effectively address this pressing issue.
To Access: Advocating and Campaigning Against Internet Shutdowns — Advocacy Assembly | | | Press Release CSOs Challenges No-Protest Zones: Urgent Call for Fundamental Rights Protection The Accountability Monitoring Committee has raised objections to the District Administration Office’s dated 24 December, 2023, declaring several areas, including Maitighar and Baneshwor, as no-protest zones. The committee emphasizes that such prohibitory orders infringe upon the constitutional rights of citizens, including the fundamental right to peaceful assembly and demonstration. Noting the significance of places like Maitighar Mandala as platforms for justice and advocacy, the committee criticizes the district administration office for re-imposing prohibitory orders, despite a Supreme Court ruling on February 27, 2022, declaring such actions “unconstitutional and illegal.” The committee calls on Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal to promptly withdraw the prohibitory orders imposed by the Kathmandu and Lalitpur District Administration Offices, asserting that safeguarding citizens’ fundamental rights is a primary responsibility of the government. | | | | 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. | | | |
