MoCIT Published Draft Telecom Bill for Public Consultation On 09 July 2024, Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MoCIT) published a draft bill to amend and integrate telecommunications laws, inviting public input within a month. The bill introduces several significant changes, including expanding the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) board to six members , with one being a joint secretary from the ministry. This provision indicates increased government control of the so-called ‘autonomous’ regulator. The major provisions include a new revenue model, provision for different types of licenses and service providers and restriction on obtaining license on certain conditions. The bill proposes 8% annual fee on the total income of service providers, with a 2% monthly penalty for late payments. Similarly, the bill introduces three types of licenses, i.e., Integrated License, General License and Telecom Infrastructure License. Integrated licenses cover services like international telephone, cellular mobile, and internet services, while general licenses are for network, internet, or value-added services. Additionally, the draft includes a restrictive provision preventing licensed companies or individuals with 1% or more shares in a licensed company from obtaining a Telecom Infrastructure license, except for integrated service providers. This means internet service providers with general licenses cannot obtain network service licenses, which are essential for importing international bandwidth. | | | Government Reverses Decision on Mandatory National ID for Social Security Allowance Cabinet meeting held on 11 July decided to postpone the requirement for citizens to obtain a National Identity Card to receive social security allowances. Minister, MoCIT , Rekha Sharma, the government’s spokesperson, cited difficulties due to rain, floods, and landslides as reasons for the delay. On June 13, the Ministry of Home Affairs had announced that National Identity Cards would be mandatory for people with disabilities, the elderly, and single women to receive social security allowances starting mid-July. This rule was to be enforced in 28 districts as per a June 6 Cabinet decision. The government faced criticism for implementing this requirement without adequate preparation. Lawmaker Calls for Probe into Hacking of Madhesh Province Budget System
Lawmaker and JSP Nepal leader Raj Kumar Gupta has called for an investigation into the hacking of the Madhesh province government’s budget system. Speaking at a State Assembly meeting on 7 July, convened to discuss the budget for the fiscal year 2081/82 BS, Gupta urged the government to form an inquiry committee and take action against the culprits if the hacking is confirmed. Gupta highlighted that the system used by the then finance minister to prepare the budget had been hacked and altered. He stressed the importance of addressing this issue by thoroughly investigating and holding those responsible accountable. Enhancing Disaster Preparedness through Online Learning
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) has introduced an online learning portal aimed at providing comprehensive information on natural disasters such as floods, landslides, and earthquakes. This initiative emphasizes the critical role of knowledge in mitigating these risks effectively. The portal includes self-paced courses with assessments to gauge learning outcomes, allowing participants to earn certificates upon successful completion.
To learn about the course: NDRRMA E-Learning Platform Impact of Social Media on Journalism Discussed
Participants at a program organized in Nepalgunj have raised concerns about the negative impact of social media on the journalism sector. The discussion, focused on the influence of platforms like YouTube on journalism, was organized by Press Council Nepal in coordination with the Federation of Nepali Journalists Banke. During the event Press Council Nepal Chair Bal Krishna Basnet emphasized the need to bring media outlets under stricter code of conduct enforcement. He announced that immediate action would be taken against those found guilty of cheating and bargaining in the name of journalism.
A working paper presented at the event detailed the extent of issues reported to the Press Council from July 2080 to July 2081. During this period, 334 complaints were filed, including 206 cases of character assassination, defamation, and abuse; 96 cases of misleading and biased reporting; 13 cases of copyright violations; 5 cases of social harmony violations; 9 cases of bargaining, cheating, and intimidation; and 5 other complaints. | | Tech Systems Worldwide are Fueling Gender Inequalities Growing poverty and pervasive forms of gender-based violence around the world often place women and LGBTQI+ people in a double bind: they may rely more on technology while at the same time face more human rights violations as a result of its use, including violations of the rights to privacy, equality and non-discrimination, health, social protection, and more. This briefing by Amnesty is intended as a primer for activists, researchers, civil society organizations, and others who are seeking to understand and address gender discrimination and its various intersections with technology across a variety of issues. Find the full report at : Briefing: Gender and Human Rights in the Digital Age | Amnesty International USA (amnestyusa.org) | | | | DRN Launched Handbook on Digital Rights and Safety
In a significant move to empower citizens in the digital age, Digital Rights Nepal has launched its “Digital Rights and Safety Handbook.” This comprehensive resource aims to equip individuals, educators, policymakers, and advocates with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the complexities of the digital world safely and responsibly.
As digital interactions become ever more integral to daily life, the importance of understanding and protecting digital rights has never been greater. The Handbook addresses a range of pressing issues, including online freedom of expression, privacy, data protection, access to information, internet governance, and cybersecurity. It offers practical guidance and insights designed to enhance digital literacy and promote a safer online environment.
“This Handbook is an invaluable tool for enhancing digital literacy and promoting a safer online environment,” said Santosh Sigdel, Executive Director at Digital Rights Nepal, during the unveiling ceremony. | | | Nepal Digital Rights School 2024, Pokhara Edition Completed
With the aim of developing a cohort of digital rights champions and young changemakers across the country, Digital Rights Nepal (DRN) has been organizing a series of Digital Rights Schools in all seven provinces of Nepal. In its fourth edition, we successfully concluded a two-day intensive school in Gandaki 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 Pokhara Province marks a significant step forward in continuing this important work. #NepalDRS2024 #digitalrightsschoolnp24 | | | | 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. | | | |
