Nepal Lifts TikTok Ban After Nine Months Government of Nepal has lifted its nine-month ban on TikTok, with the app’s parent company, ByteDance, given a three-month deadline to meet specific conditions. The decision, driven by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s directive to treat all social media equally, requires TikTok to promote Nepal’s tourism, invest in digital literacy, support public education, and ensure appropriate content. The ban was initially imposed in November 2023 by the then government citing its negative impact on social harmony. Despite the ban, many users bypassed it using VPNs, and the decision to ban TikTok was widely criticized as an attack on freedom of expression. While lifting the ban, the government emphasized that all social media platforms must comply with new regulations, including setting up local liaison offices and adhering to a 19-point content guideline. While the government’s move to lift the ban is seen as a positive step, it is crucial that the terms and conditions under which the ban was lifted are made public. DRN strongly urges the government and TikTok to reveal the terms and conditions under which the ban was lifted. Transparency is crucial to ensure that the public is fully informed about the decisions that impact their digital rights. DRN also calls on the government to refrain from imposing blanket bans on platforms in the future, as such actions pose a significant threat to the freedom of expression of citizens. Protecting digital rights and ensuring that regulatory measures are fair and transparent should be a priority in any decision that affects social media platforms and their users. | | | Fiber Internet Expanded to 77 Districts Amidst Widespread Service Disruptions
Nepal Telecom has launched NT fiber service in Simkot, Humla, marking the expansion of FTTH service to all 77 districts in Nepal. The service was virtually inaugurated by Minister for Communications and Information Technology Prithvi Subba Gurung. Despite this expansion, internet connectivity in several areas has been disrupted due to floods and landslides. In Solukhumbu, communication services have been cut off due to landslide. Similarly, in Surkhet, the disruption of the 33 KV Kohalpur-Surkhet transmission line has left the entire Karnali region without electricity, severely affecting internet and telecom services. Power outages have also halted services in Jajarkot, Surkhet, Rukum West, Salyan, Kalikot, Jumla, Mugu, and Dailekh.Nepal Police Arrests Man for Character Assassination Using Social Media and AI
The Cyber Bureau of Nepal Police has arrested Ramesh Bahadur Rawat, a 22-year-old from Bajura, for character assassination of prominent individuals through the misuse of social media, digital platforms, and AI. Rawat allegedly created and shared exaggerated, fictitious, and misleading audio-visual content aimed at tarnishing the reputations of various individuals. Further, Cyber Bureau has issued a press release urging the public not to misuse social media, digital platforms, or AI for character assassination of individuals or organizations. The Bureau highlighted a rise in incidents involving the creation and dissemination of exaggerated and misleading content and warned that those responsible will be held accountable and face legal consequence. NTA Submits 100-Day Action Plan Amid Budget Approval Delays
The Nepal Telecommunication Authority (NTA) has submitted a 100-day action plan to the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MoCIT) as part of its annual budget program. The plan outlines key tasks to be completed within 30, 90, and 100 days, contingent on budget approval. The plan includes renewing Ncell Axiata’s license, recommending foreign currency for bandwidth payment, conducting a gap analysis on telecommunication services, reviewing satellite feasibility, renewing ISP licenses, and initiating a 5G feasibility study. The 100-day goals include drafting an integrated telecommunication policy and providing internet access to ward offices yet to be connected. | | | DRN Activities DRAPAC 2024 and APrIGF 2024 Concluded successfully in Taipei, Taiwan
For 2024, the two annual regional summits, DRAPAC24 and APrIGF24, wrapped up in Taipei, Taiwan, on a high note. The Asia Pacific Regional Internet Governance Forum (APrIGF) was a key regional event on internet governance. With the multistakeholder approach as a core principle, it emphasized the diversity of participants and openness of discussions to advance internet governance development in the Asia Pacific region. This year’s edition was held in Taipei, Taiwan, in a hybrid format from August 21-23, with the overarching theme of “Evolving Ecosystems, Enduring Principles: Shaping Responsible Internet Governance.”
Digital Rights in the Asia-Pacific 2024 (DRAPAC24) was aimed at fostering resilience and solidarity within the digital rights community. Organized by EngageMedia, it was also held in Taipei, Taiwan, on August 18-19, just before APrIGF.
Digital Rights Nepal participated in both events in multiple capacities. | | | | Publication UNESCO Launches draft AI Guidelines for Judicial Systems
UNESCO has launched draft guidelines for the use of AI in judicial systems, following a global survey that revealed a significant gap in institutional guidance and training for judicial operators on AI systems. Developed in collaboration with international experts, these guidelines aim to ensure that AI technologies are integrated into courts and tribunals in a manner that upholds justice, human rights, and the rule of law. The guidelines are informed by the UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of AI and are part of the UNESCO Global Toolkit on AI and the Rule of Law.
For more info: UNESCO Launches Open Consultation on New Guidelines for AI Use in Judicial Systems | UNESCO | | | 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. | | | |
