Malware Attack Disrupts Passport Services in Nepal
The Passport Department has confirmed a malware attack on its application system, causing a major disruption in passport-related services. In a notice issued on November 24, the department revealed that the system has been offline for four days to prevent further infection. As a precaution, passport services at District/Area Administration Offices and missions abroad have also been suspended. The department has stated it may take one to two weeks for full restoration of services. This incident has underscored the need for enhanced cybersecurity measures to safeguard critical public services in Nepal.
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Reporter Faces Cybercrime Charges Over Investigative Reporting
Jiyalal Prasad Sah, a reporter for Sidhakura.com and Birgunjcity.com, is facing cybercrime charges under the Electronic Transaction Act for his investigative reporting. The charges stem from a story published in January 2024, which accused Birgunj Mayor Rajesh Man Singh of helping a girl obtain a fake citizenship certificate. Following the publication, Mayor Singh reportedly targeted Sah in public speeches, leading to further reporting on Singh’s alleged fraudulent activities. An arrest warrant was issued against Sah in October 2024, and he was granted bail on November 26, 2024. The next hearing is set for December 17, 2024.
Ministry of Home Affairs Warns Against Misuse of Social Media
The Ministry of Home Affairs has issued a stern warning regarding the misuse of social media for malicious and misleading statements. In a press release on November 29, the Ministry emphasized that legal action will be taken against individuals whose actions disrupt social harmony, harm dignity, or disturb public law and order. The statement highlighted the Ministry’s serious concern over the recent rise in harmful and misleading content on social media and other platforms. It clarified that hate speech inciting discord among castes and religions, promoting insults, abetting crimes, or violating public decency and morality are punishable offenses under the law.
 Khalti Employees Exploit Customer Data for Fraudulent Activities
An investigation by the Kathmandu Valley Criminal Investigation Office has revealed that employees of Khalti Wallet, a payment service provider, sold personal documents of customers to criminal gangs. These employees misused Know Your Customer (KYC) details, including citizenship copies and photos, to create over 55 fake wallet accounts used for illegal financial transactions. Three Khalti employees have been detained, and police are pursuing others involved in the scam.
Hello Home Ministry: A Promising Step or a Repetition of Past Challenges?
The Ministry of Home Affairs has launched the ‘Hello Home Ministry Grievance Redressal Cell’ to address citizens’ grievances, queries, and suggestions effectively. The ministry stated that complaints can be registered with departmental chiefs, Chief District Officers, or directly through the cell via email, WhatsApp (98513606030), or post; and instructed concerned bodies to prioritize complaint resolution and aims to enhance service delivery, maintain law and order, and foster good governance by increasing citizen confidence.
While the Home Ministry’s initiative to launch the ‘Hello Home Ministry Grievance Redressal Cell’ is commendable, questions arise about its sustainability, given the inactivity of similar efforts like the Prime Minister’s ‘Hello Sarkar’ platform. ‘Hello Sarkar’s’ X handle and Facebook page, previously active in addressing public grievances and sharing updates, have been inactive for over a month and a half due to administrative delays. Past instances of similar disruptions highlight challenges in maintaining continuity, raising concerns about the long-term effectiveness of the Home Ministry’s new initiative.
PCN Acts Against Misleading YouTube Channels
The Press Council Nepal (PCN) has taken action against 10 YouTube channels and social media pages for alleged spreading misleading content This week. In a press release issued on November 25, the Council named channels such as Nepal One HD, Mission Today, Debtor Association, Daily News NP, and Hamara Sandesh, among others, as those facing action. Similarly, social media pages like Khalipana, Sevaro News, Media Taaza Khabar, Zee News Nepal, and Hot News Nepal were also penalized. This marks the series of such crackdown, following similar actions against nine YouTube channels the previous week.
Australia Passes Strict Law Banning Social Media Access for Under-16
Australia has passed a bill restricting social media access for children under 16, making it one of the strictest laws globally. The law, aimed at protecting child mental health, will block underage access to platforms like X, Instagram, and TikTok by the end of next year. Social media companies face fines of up to 50 million Australian dollars if they fail to prevent underage accounts. The bill, backed by bipartisan support, passed the Senate with 34 votes in favor and 19 against, and is expected to become law after final approval. Australia now holds the highest age limit for social media access in the world.
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Stakeholder Interacted on Development, Regulation and Governance of AI in Nepal
On 29 November 2024, Digital Rights Nepal (DRN), with support from Norway and the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL), hosted an interaction program focused on the development, regulation, and governance of AI in Nepal. The event brought together parliamentarians from the House of Representatives and the National Assembly, as well as media professionals, legal experts, and advocates. The discussions were based on the AI concept paper recently released by the Government of Nepal.
The program aimed to assist policymakers, legal experts, civil society members, and other stakeholders in promoting human rights and privacy through AI technology. Key topics included AI’s development, its impact on innovation, economic growth, and public service strengthening, as well as ethical concerns, biases, privacy risks, and AI regulation.
The event sought to provide practical policy suggestions for responsible and rights-focused AI development.
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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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