Greetings,
As we celebrate the upcoming joyous festivals, we extend our warmest wishes to you and your loved ones. May Dashain bring you prosperity, Tihar light up your life with happiness, Nepal Sambat brings the new hopes, and Chhath bless you with peace and good health.
Wishing everyone a season filled with joy, hope, and new beginnings.
Warm regards,
Digital Rights Nepal (DRN) Family
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President Ram Chandra Poudel Certifies Public Service Broadcasting Bill
President Ram Chandra Poudel has certified the bill to amend and integrate laws related to public service broadcasting. The certification was made in accordance with Article 113 (2) of the Constitution of Nepal, following the bill’s approval by both houses of the federal parliament and its submission to the Office of the President for final verification. This law brings the public media outlets such as Radio Nepal, Nepal Television under the purview of public broadcasting legislation.
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Press Council Nepal Action Against YouTube Channels
On October 7, 2024, Press Council Nepal requested the Cyber Bureau of Nepal Police to investigate and take legal action against 43 YouTube channels for spreading misleading, exaggerated, and indecent content.
The council has blacklisted three online media outlets—abpcrynews.com, tvannapurna.com, and setokhari.com—for not following the code of conduct. Additionally, five online media outlets have been directed to remove controversial content, while unregistered portals face potential legal consequences.
The council has introduced procedures since April 2024 to regulate YouTube content, aiming to maintain responsible journalism and address increasing public complaints about misleading online media. Further, PCN has also recommended action against individuals misusing media names by forging documents, including identity cards and work experience letters in the name of DrishtiNews.com, operated by Drishti Media Pvt Ltd.
The Council has also formed a three-member task force, led by Council member Thakur Prasad Belbase, to investigate complaints involving The Himalayan Times and its connection with Elite Himalayan Adventures Pvt Ltd and Nirmal Purja.
E-Pass System Formally Implemented in Singha Durbar
The government has officially introduced the e-pass system in Singha Durbar following a directive from a secretary-level meeting on September 23. This new system, implemented in coordination with the Ministry of Home Affairs, Urban Development, and Communications, allows visitors to display passes on mobile devices, making access easier.
The e-pass may also be integrated into the Citizen App in future updates for broader accessibility. Previously, temporary passes were misused, prompting the shift to the e-pass system. After delays, it has now replaced all temporary passes issued by various ministries.
Global AI Index 2024: US and China Lead, Smaller Nations Excel in Intensity
The Global AI Index tracks AI capacity across 83 countries using 122 indicators grouped into Implementation, Innovation, and Investment. The US and China dominate the rankings, with the US scoring 100 compared to China’s 53. The next eight nations are closely clustered, while 73 others lag behind.
The index measures AI capacity through ‘Scale,’ which highlights absolute capacity where the US and China lead, and ‘Intensity,’ which ranks countries relative to their population or economy. Smaller nations like Singapore, Israel, and Switzerland excel in intensity, demonstrating strong AI performance relative to their size.
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DRN activities
DRN’s Analysis of the Social Media Bill Submitted to the Minister of Communication and Information Technology
Digital Rights Nepal (DRN) has published an in-depth analysis of the Social Media (Usage and Regulation) Bill 2080. The report was officially presented to the Honorable Minister of Communication and Information Technology, Mr. Prithvi Subba Gurung, by DRN Executive Director Advocate Santosh Sigdel at his office . The Secretary of the Ministry, Ms. Radhika Aryal, was also present at the meeting.
Grounded in Nepal’s Constitution, international human rights laws, and input from key stakeholders, the analysis highlights critical concerns in the bill. It addresses vague prohibitive clauses on social media content, criminal defamation, platform registration, content takedown, and the criminalization of anonymous or pseudonymous users. The report offers recommendations for regulating social media in a way that respects civil liberties.
Read the full analysis : Analysis of the Social Media Bill
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Nepal’s TikTok Saga
On November 13, 2023, the Nepal government imposed a nationwide ban on TikTok, citing concerns over its impact on social harmony. Fast forward 10 months, and the landscape has dramatically shifted. During these 10 months, the journey from restriction to regulation was marked by legal battles, policy changes, and a push for digital rights. Dive into the timeline below to see how it all unfolded.
#TikTokBan #Nepal #SocialMediaRegulation #DigitalRights #Timeline
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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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