Digital Rights Nepal Publishes Analysis on the Social Media Bill 2081
Digital Rights Nepal has released analysis of the Social Media Bill 2081, recently registered by the government in the National Assembly on Magh 15 and presented by Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung on Magh 27.
The analysis highlights major concerns over vague content restrictions, criminal defamation provisions, unnecessary platform registration requirements, unclear content removal processes, and the criminalization of anonymous identities. These could undermine freedom of expression, privacy, the right to information, the right to privacy, and associated digital rights.
The analysis emphasizes the need to align the bill with international standards and best practices, ensuring it upholds fundamental rights and human rights principles. If passed in its current form, the bill is unlikely to address the issues it seeks to regulate and may instead lead to violations of freedom of expression, press freedom, the right to information, privacy rights, and cybersecurity concerns. Digital Rights Nepal commits to providing further information to stakeholders interested in improving this bill and remains open to collaboration and support in this process.
Full Read at: https://digitalrightsnepal.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Social-Media-Bill-Analysis.pdf
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DRN and AI Association’s Review of Nepal’s AI Policy
Digital Rights Nepal (DRN) and the AI Association of Nepal have submitted a preliminary review of the National Artificial Intelligence Policy. The review emphasizes the need for a transparent, inclusive, and ethical AI framework that aligns with international standards, focusing on human rights, accountability, and transparency. Key concerns include the lack of stakeholder involvement and public consultations, a short feedback period, and an absence of a clear implementation plan. The draft also fails to adequately address human rights issues, such as bias prevention and data protection. DRN and AI Association Nepal recommend extending the feedback period, broadening stakeholder participation, defining a clear implementation roadmap, and aligning the policy with international human rights standards to ensure responsible AI development in Nepal.National Assembly Passes Media Council Bill 2080
The National Assembly passed the Media Council Bill 2080 BS during its meeting on February 10, 2025. Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Prithvi Subba Gurung, presented the report of the Legislation Management Committee along with the proposal for the bill’s passage. Earlier, lawmakers participated in a clause-wise discussion on the bill.
Responding to concerns raised during the discussion, Minister Gurung stated that the bill was finalized after extensive deliberations in the Legislation Management Committee. He urged the Assembly to pass it unanimously, emphasizing that the bill aims to establish the Media Council as an autonomous body with regulatory and self-regulatory powers to uphold dignity in the media sector. The bill is intended to make electronic, online, and print journalism more dignified, responsible, and credible. The Bill has been forwarded to the House of Representatives.
Safer Internet Day 2025
Safer Internet Day (SID) 2025 was marked with widespread awareness programs organized across Nepal, aiming to educate children, youth, and communities on safe internet use and how to avoid online risks. The events, led by ChildSafeNet in collaboration with over 50 peer organizations and the National Council for Child Rights (NCRC), focused on raising awareness about digital safety in various parts of the country.
Since 2019, the observance of Safer Internet Day has grown significantly in Nepal, with over 50 organizations, including Digital Rights Nepal, joining the efforts to promote digital safety. This year’s events highlighted the importance of fostering a safer online environment for all, reinforcing the shared commitment to creating a safer internet space for everyone.
Government Issues Data Center and Cloud Services Guidelines 2025
The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MoCIT) released the Data Center and Cloud Services (Operation and Management) Guidelines, 2025 on February 10, 2025. The guidelines set operational standards for data centers and cloud service providers, specifying actions they must follow and penalties for violations. A key provision requires all data centers and cloud service providers to be listed with the department before offering services, with separate listings needed for those providing both data center and cloud services. Additionally, all government agencies, except security agencies, must use the integrated government data center and cloud services. Institutional data centers and government agencies currently operating cloud services are required to migrate their services to the government data center within a deadline set by the board of directors. However, exceptions may be granted if a government body requests to operate a primary or secondary site and the board approves it based on suitability. The guidelines also outline conditions for delisting service providers, including non-compliance with rules, data misuse, organizational dissolution, or voluntary cancellation requests.
Study Begins on Linking Nepal’s Nagarik App with India’s Aadhaar Card
A study has been launched to explore the interoperability between Nepal’s Nagarik App and India’s Aadhaar card, aiming to simplify identification and access to public services for citizens of both countries. According to the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, the study will analyze the technical aspects of both systems to assess the possibility of integration.
Discussions are also underway regarding potential services that citizens could access through the interlinked platforms. Indian Ambassador to Nepal, Navin Srivastava, recently confirmed that talks are progressing to facilitate cross-border movement through digital integration.
An official from the Nagarik App stated that if the integration is implemented, citizens could easily access services digitally while traveling. For instance, Nepali citizens visiting India could scan the Nagarik App’s QR code to obtain services.
23 Arrested in Kathmandu for Hosting Online Gambling
Police have arrested 23 people in Budhanilkantha, Kathmandu, for allegedly hosting online gambling. The District Police Range, Kathmandu, conducted the raid based on a tip-off. Most of those arrested are Indian nationals, and their identities are being verified through document checks. Authorities seized 88 mobile phones and 10 laptops from the site.
FNJ Opposes Social Media Bill, Vows to Defend Press Freedom
The Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) has condemned the newly proposed social media bill, calling it a threat to press freedom and expression. In the FNJ issued Dhulikhel Declaration, urges the government to withdraw the bill, criticizing the lack of stakeholder consultation. The federation warned of protests if the bill proceeds without amendments.
Additionally, the FNJ announced plans to engage with federal, provincial, and local authorities for policy reforms benefiting journalists. It aims to promote professional development through training, workshops, and awareness campaigns while advocating for self-regulation and adherence to journalistic ethics. |
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DRN Hosts Second Meeting of Digital Rights Sub-Group under EU HRD Working Group
On February 13, Digital Rights Nepal (DRN) successfully coordinated the second meeting of the Digital Rights Sub-Group under the EU Working Group on Human Rights Defenders.
This sub-group addresses critical issues such as online freedom of expression, media freedom, disinformation, the right to information, cyberbullying, hate speech, cybersecurity for human rights defenders, and other pressing digital rights issues.
The meeting focused on recent challenges in the digital rights space, including the controversial social media bill and its potential implications. Discussions centered on content of the bill and the need for a comprehensive approach to reach out to the policymakers, including the political parties, members of the parliament, relevant committees and committee members. Participants also suggested to design interventions for a more coordinated message from the human rights community.
Additionally, the meeting highlighted future initiatives to address emerging digital challenges and explored upcoming EU HRD field activities.
#DigitalRights #HumanRights #OnlineFreedom #DRN
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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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