Government Unveiled Concept Paper on the Use and Practice of Artificial Intelligence
The committee’s study included a comparative analysis of AI strategies from various countries and regions, providing valuable insights for Nepal’s AI framework. Additionally, the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (MoCIT) has called on for input and suggestions on the concept paper.
The government of Nepal has unveiled a concept paper on the use and practice of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Recognizing the need for clear guidelines on AI, the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (MoCIT) had formed a five-member technical committee in February 2024. This concept paper underscores the necessity of establishing policies, laws, and procedures for the development, use, and regulation of AI. It highlights critical issues such as cybersecurity, data protection, and privacy, and recommends the formulation of a national AI policy, strategy, and data protection framework. The paper also suggests aligning AI policies with international standards and creating a national portal for AI information exchange.
The document emphasizes the importance of research, investment, and collaboration in ensuring privacy protection, transparency, and accountability. It calls for the development of skilled personnel and the application of AI across various sectors, including health, finance, education, and agriculture. Furthermore, it advocates for a national AI strategy and action plan focusing on key areas such as smart cities, health services, and transportation.
The committee’s study involved a comparative analysis of AI strategies from different countries and regions, providing valuable insights for shaping Nepal’s AI framework. Additionally, the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (MoCIT) is seeking feedback and suggestions on the concept paper from stakeholders.
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Ncell Faces Service Disruption Over Unpaid Fees
Tata Communications International Pvt Ltd (Singapore) has halted its internet bandwidth services to Ncell, potentially affecting Ncell’s service quality. This action follows the Nepal Telecommunication Authority’s (NTA) suspension of foreign exchange recommendations for Ncell and Nepal Telecom due to unpaid frequency fees, leading to disputes over the fees’ legitimacy. Ncell has not paid the frequency fee for the 2100 MHz band for almost two years, and Nepal Telecom has been in arrears for about five months. NTA has stopped the recommendation for foreign exchange payments to Nepal Telecom and Ncell for about six months. It also sent a letter warning Ncell to pay the remaining fees immediately or face legal action.
Brazil Halts Meta’s New Privacy Policy Over AI Data Use Concerns
Meta has been ordered to halt its new privacy policy in Brazil by the National Data Protection Authority (NDPA) due to concerns over the use of personal data, including that of children, in training AI models. This policy, which went into effect at the end of June, allowed the use of user data such as photos and posts for AI training. The NDPA cited risks of serious harm to users, including inadequate legal basis for data processing, lack of clear information, limitations on user rights, and insufficient safeguards for children’s data. Meta, expressing disappointment, stated their compliance with privacy laws and the importance of AI development. The suspension affects Meta’s main products like Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger, with a daily fine of R$50,000 for non-compliance. The ANPD’s decision follows a preliminary inspection revealing potential violations of Brazil’s General Data Protection Law (LGPD)
Nepal’s New Frequency Policy to Boost Annual Revenue by Rs 400 Million
Minister for Communications and Information Technology Rekha Sharma announced that the government expects to earn an additional Rs 400 million annually through the new frequency policy. During the discussion on the Financial Bill-2081 BS, Minister Sharma explained that the Radio Frequency (Allocation and Pricing) Policy-2080 for telecommunication services will generate this additional revenue. A technology neutrality policy for mobile services regarding radio frequency will take effect from 16 July 2024.
Nepal Police Warns Public Against Fake Emails
On 2 July, Nepal Police issued a warning through their official Facebook page, advising people not to respond to fake emails or click on any attached links. These fraudulent emails and letters, which falsely use the Nepal Police logo, the name of the organization chief, and official signatures and seals, have been sent to various individuals. The emails falsely accuse recipients of using their IP addresses for child pornography, cyber pornography, and child crime, demanding a response within 48 hours under threat of action.
Gold Smuggling Operation Linked to Digital Wallets
The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of Nepal Police has revealed digital wallet companies’ involvement in gold smuggling. According to the police, two payment gateways, Pay Well Nepal Private Limited and Sajilo Payment Service Private Limited, were involved in the illegal payment process for the smuggled gold, with transaction of over Rs. 122 billion between April 2023 to June 2024. Consequently, Nepal Rastra Bank has halted the business operations of both payment services.
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Nepal Digital Rights School 2024, Lumbini Edition Completed
Digital Rights Nepal (DRN), in partnership with the Nepal-U.S. Alumni Network (NUSAN) and with the support of the U.S. Embassy in Nepal, has successfully conducted a two-day intensive Digital Rights School in Bhairahawa, Province. The program equipped youth with vital digital literacy skills, advocated for safe online practices, and raised awareness about digital rights and responsibilities. Additionally, the formation of the Digital Rights Advocates Network in Lumbini Province marks a significant step forward in continuing this important work.
#NepalDRS2024 #digitalrightsschoolnp24
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Opportunities
Exciting Opportunity for youths from Koshi and Madesh Province!
Join the Digital Rights School in Biratnagar and Janakpur!!
Digital Rights Nepal (DRN), in collaboration with the Nepal-U.S. Alumni Network, is excited to announce a series of two-day intensive Digital Rights Schools in Koshi and Madesh Province.
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. For more details: https://school.digitalrightsnepal.org/application.
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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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