Cyber Threats Cripple Local Level Government Websites Across Nepal Local government websites across Nepal, including municipalities and rural municipalities, are grappling with recurring cyberattacks, disrupting administrative operations and public services. Despite some websites like the Kathmandu Metropolitan City remaining operational, many others have been rendered inaccessible, leaving critical services like notices, advertisements, and social security data in limbo. Kali Prasad Parajuli, spokesperson for the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration, confirmed that hackers exploited vulnerabilities in systems. Efforts to recover affected websites are underway, but delays in centralized data management have left systems exposed. “The technical team will recover the websites by 27 December,” Parajuli assured, while acknowledging challenges in timely detection and response. The websites were initially developed under the Provincial and Local Government Assistance Program (PLGSP) in collaboration with the UNDP. However, the lack of proactive maintenance and security measures has made them easy targets. | | | Racially Motivated Attack on Janakpur Bolts Supporters Sparks Outrage Janakpur Bolts’ victory in the inaugural Nepal Premier League (NPL) was overshadowed by a violent, racially motivated attack on their supporters outside Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground and on social media. Following the match, social media platforms like Facebook and TikTok were flooded with a barrage of derogatory, sexist, and racist slurs. This online hate culminated in physical assaults targeting Madhesi supporters, which were captured in videos that went viral, sparking widespread condemnation across Nepal. The coordinated nature of the online hate campaign has drawn significant criticism, highlighting how digital platforms were weaponized to perpetuate communal bias. Videos of the physical assault went viral, further fueling online hostility and exposing victims to additional harassment. Political figures such as Gagan Thapa and Dr. CK Raut have condemned both the physical violence and the online hate speech, calling for urgent government action to address racial discrimination and regulate digital platforms. The Madhesi Commission labeled the incident as discriminatory and a threat to national unity, emphasizing the harm caused by unchecked online hate. While victims have lodged formal complaints, and two suspects have been arrested, questions remain about the adequacy of the police response and the broader accountability of social media platforms in preventing hate speech. Nepal Telecom Restores Damaged BTS Tower in Humla Nepal Telecom’s BTS tower in Humla district , damaged by unauthorized activities, has been repaired and is now operational. The disruption, caused by vandalism of solar panels, VSAT equipment, and earthing cables at Sarkegad rural municipality, had left the area without telephone services for two days. Despite challenging conditions, including heavy snow, technicians successfully restored the tower, ensuring connectivity. Nepal Telecom has appealed the public to refrain from damaging critical communication infrastructure, emphasizing its importance for uninterrupted services and public rights. The perpetrators behind the incident remain unidentified. Iran Eases Internet Restrictions, Lifts Ban on WhatsApp and Google Play Iranian authorities have lifted restrictions on Meta’s WhatsApp and Google’s Play Store. Iran, known for its strict internet controls, has routinely faced challenges as tech-savvy citizens bypass restrictions using VPNs. While the move signals progress, social media remains a critical tool for anti-government protests, drawing global attention. This development follows calls from the U.S. in September urging Big Tech to assist in countering online censorship in heavily restricted countries like Iran. | | | Digital Rights and Safety Training Held in Kathmandu
On December 26, 2024, Amnesty Nepal and Digital Rights Nepal jointly organized a Digital Rights and Safety Training in Kathmandu, bringing together human rights defenders, students, digital advocates, and law students. The training aimed to equip participants with the knowledge and tools to navigate the digital landscape responsibly while understanding the application of human rights in the digital sphere.
Key topics included digital rights, the intersection of human rights and online freedoms, privacy laws, and data protection. Practical sessions focused on digital hygiene, online fraud prevention, and cyber threat management. The event fostered dialogue and collaboration through interactive discussions and networking opportunities, strengthening collective efforts to advance digital rights and safety in Nepal. | | | | Empowering Youth Through Digital Rights and Safety Awareness
The Digital Rights and Safety School Awareness Campaign was launched on December 22, 2024, through the joint efforts of Digital Rights Advocates Network Gandaki, Eureka, and Digital Rights Nepal. Over seven days, the campaign aims to engage grade 9 and 10 students from seven schools, empowering them with crucial knowledge on digital rights and safety.
With a focus on digital citizenship, topics include online privacy, cyber threats, and protective strategies, equipping students to navigate the digital world responsibly. This initiative will foster a generation of informed and empowered youth ready to safeguard their digital presence.
We commend the organizing teams for spearheading this impactful mission to strengthen digital literacy and safety among Nepalese students. | | | | 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. | | | |
