Conceptual Approval to Draft Information Technology and Cybersecurity Bill On 31 May 2024, the Cabinet approved to
formulate a comprehensive bill on information technology and cybersecurity. This decision follows months of public consultation on a draft bill published by the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (MoCIT). Government spokesperson and MoCIT Minister Rekha Sharma announced that the forthcoming bill would encompass provisions on IT and cybersecurity structures, electronic records, electronic service delivery, domain name registration and management, IT industry and business regulations, information security and privacy, and cybersecurity.
CG Communications’ License Revoked
The Nepal Telecommunication Authority (NTA) formally canceled the license of CG Communications Limited, a telecom company owned by Chaudhary Group, for rural telecommunication service. In a notice issued on 6 June 2024, the NTA stated that CG’s license was revoked effective 2 December 2023, due to the company’s failure to apply with the required fee within the stipulated period.
NRB Freezes Accounts of Paywell Nepal and Sajilo Pay
The Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has ordered the suspension of bank accounts belonging to Paywell Nepal Private Limited and Sajilo Pay Payment Services Private Limited. The accounts were frozen due to concerns about their business operations and suspected involvement in illicit activities such as crypto currency and hundi (illegal money transfer). The NRB emphasized that this action is part of its regulatory responsibilities to ensure compliance with anti-money laundering and financial regulations.
Widespread Internet Disruption Linked to Airtel Bandwidth Issues
On 3 June 2024, there was a widespread problem with internet services across Nepal, with most users complaining that the service had either stopped or slowed down. The services of large internet service providers came to a standstill, causing significant disruption. Preliminary estimates indicated a problem with the bandwidth from Indian upstream service provider Airtel. Binay Bohara, Chairperson, Vianet Communications, mentioned that the internet disruption was due to issues with Airtel’s border fiber from Birgunj, resulting in approximately 50 percent of the bandwidth being halted.
TikTok Appeals to Nepal PM to Lift Ban
TikTok South Asia chief Firdous Mottakin wrote a letter to the Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal on 17 May, requesting the lifting of the ban on the app. According to TikTok this is 7th request to the Nepal Government and they did not receive any response to earlier 6 communications. Nepal banned TikTok in November 2023, citing concerns over social harmony. According to sources close to the government, TikTok has yet to meet conditions related to social harmony, sovereignty, social security, and legal compliance, and there is no concrete plan to resolve these issues.
Digital Nepal conclave 2024 concluded
The Digital Nepal Conclave (DNC 2024) was held on June 07, 2024, at the Kathmandu Marriott Hotel with the theme “Harmonizing Digitalization and Development.” Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal “Prachanda” inaugurated the event, which featured over 50 experts in 7 sessions discussing digitalization, telecom policy, and the digital economy.
The conclave, supported by Ncell, UK Aid, and the Asia Foundation, also saw participation from other high-ranking officials like Finance Minister Barshaman Pun and CPN UML leader KP Sharma Oli. The event aimed to address Nepal’s digital divide and promote policy improvements.
