Technical Glitch Hits ‘Hello Sarkar’ Portal
The government’s Hello Sarkar website, designed for public grievance management, has been inaccessible since March 12 due to a technical issue. Users attempting to access the site encounter a “Site Can’t Be Reached” message, with no official clarification on the cause.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Hello Sarkar stated that efforts are underway to resolve the issue.
Launched under the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, Hello sarkar allows complaints via social media, SMS, fax, and its website. While many complaints—mainly related to the police headquarters, National Information Technology Center, Nepal Electricity Authority and others —are received and processed, action from concerned agencies remains inadequate.Five Arrested in Kaski for Cryptocurrency and Online Gambling
Kaski Police have arrested five individuals for alleged involvement in cryptocurrency transactions and online gambling. They were apprehended from Pokhara-14, Anupam Tole, on March 7. This marks the first cryptocurrency-related arrest in Kaski, according to SP Shyam Babu Olia. Police have also seized electronic devices, including computers, mobile phones, laptops, and pen drives, linked to transactions worth up to Rs 30 crore. Rupendra GC, an IT engineer residing in the US for the past decade, allegedly masterminded the operation. The District Court Kaski has extended their remand for seven days. Nepal’s Telecom Sector Nearing Crisis, Say Stakeholders
Stakeholders have warned that Nepal’s telecom sector is approaching a crisis and urged the government to prioritize security and stability. Speaking at a SEJON event on “Revitalizing the Telecom Industry,” experts stressed the need for state intervention to support the struggling sector. Speaking at the event, Minister for Communications Prithvi Subba Gurung acknowledged regulatory gaps and announced that a new Telecom Act is being drafted to address sectoral challenges, including license fees and new technologies. Traditional Media faces decline while Online Media Registrations on rise
Registrations and renewals for traditional media like radio, television, and magazines have been declining, while the number of online media registrations is on the rise, according to the Department of Information and Broadcasting. However, the actual number of online media is uncertain, as online media based on platforms like YouTube are not officially registered.
With the rise of information technology, online media registrations have surged, especially as more media platforms have become internet-based. According to the spokesperson of the Department while registration of online media is high, the renewal rate is low. Between March 22, 2017, and January 13, 2025 of the current fiscal year, there were 4,860 online registrations. Utah Becomes First U.S. State to Require Age Verification for App Downloads
On March 12, Utah became the first U.S. state to pass a law requiring app stores to verify users’ ages and obtain parental consent before minors can download apps. The bill, now awaiting Governor Spencer Cox’s signature, has sparked debate between Meta and app store giants Apple and Google over who should be responsible for verification.
Meta, X, and Snap support placing the burden on app stores, arguing it provides a centralized, privacy-friendly solution for parents. However, Apple and Google argue that requiring app stores to verify ages could compromise user privacy by forcing all users to submit sensitive documents, such as a driver’s license or credit card. The bill mandates app stores to request age details when users create accounts. If a minor registers, the store must link their account to a parent’s and may require proof of identity. Parental approval will also be needed for apps with in-app purchases or terms of service agreements.
Similar bills have been introduced in at least eight other states. Lawsuits have delayed the enforcement of state-level social media regulations, including Utah’s earlier law requiring age verification for social media users. If signed, the new Utah law will take effect on May 7. |
