Government Issues 30-Day Ultimatum for Social Media Registration in Nepal The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MoCIT) has given social media operators a 30-day deadline to register their platforms in Nepal and appoint key representatives, including contact points, resident grievance redressal officers, and self-regulation compliance officers within the country. Issuing a notice today, the Ministry revealed that only three social networks—Viber, TikTok, and WeTalk (operated by Saramsha Media Lab Pvt. Ltd.)—have complied with the registration requirements. It has called upon all other social media platforms operating in Nepal to complete the process within the stipulated timeframe in accordance with the Guidelines for Managing the Use of Social Media, 2023. The guidelines mandate social media companies to establish local representatives to handle user grievances and ensure compliance with self-regulation standards. The Ministry has also warned that failure to comply within the deadline could result in a ban on unregistered social media platforms, as per Sub-section (7) of Section 3 of the Directive. While MoCIT has issued similar notices in the past, this is the first time it has introduced a strict time-bound ultimatum. The move signals a more assertive enforcement approach, with the possibility of banning non-compliant platforms after the deadline. | | | Kathmandu Imposes Two-Month Prohibitory Order on Protests in Key Government Areas
The District Administration Office, Kathmandu has issued a two-month prohibitory order in certain areas of the capital, restricting public gatherings and protests. The order, effective from March 9, was issued on the recommendation of the District Security Committee, Kathmandu to prevent disruptions to essential services, public transport, and overall peace and security.
The restrictions apply to areas surrounding the offices of the President and Vice President, Singha Durbar, the Prime Minister’s residence in Baluwatar, and the Parliament Building. During this period, gatherings of more than five people, as well as protests, sit-ins, demonstrations, and processions, are strictly prohibited.
Citing concerns over potential vandalism, arson, and public disorder, the order references Sub-section (3A) of Section 6 of the Local Administration Act, 2028, as well as previous court rulings and international practices. A similar notice was issued in Lalitpur, but its implementation was postponed just two days after the announcement.
While authorities justify the order as a security measure, critics argue that such restrictions curtail civic space and fundamental rights, including the right to association, peaceful assembly, and protest. The move has sparked concerns over its impact on democratic freedoms, as protests are a key avenue for citizens to voice grievances and hold authorities accountable. Nepal Telecom Enforces Agreement Requirement for Pole Usage by ISPs and Cable Operators
Nepal Telecom has announced that internet service providers (ISPs), cable, and TV service providers will no longer be allowed to use its poles without signing an official agreement and paying rent.
In a notice issued 19 March, Nepal Telecom has urged all cable and TV operators and ISPs currently using its poles to contact the company for pole usage verification and rent calculation. Service providers are required to visit the nearest Nepal Telecom office or provincial directorate by March 15 along with their representatives to facilitate this process. MPs Warn Against Institutionalizing Citizen App Without Data Security
MPs Sumana Shrestha and Dr. Chanda Karki raised concerns over data security in Nepal, stating that the Citizen App should not be institutionalized until data protection is ensured.
Speaking at the House of Representatives, Shrestha questioned the safety of personal data, its storage, and access controls, warning that moving forward without a strong security framework could expose citizens to hacking risks.
Supporting her stance, Dr. Chanda Karki emphasized the need for transparency and clear legal provisions in digital governance. She suggested that the MoCIT lead the development of operational guidelines for the Citizen App, ensuring technical management by the National Information Technology Center, better coordination among government agencies, establishing a task force to oversee security and transparency, and enforcing formal approval and implementation of guidelines by the Council of Ministers. Lawmakers stressed that ensuring data security should be a priority before expanding the app’s use. Senior Citizens Above 90 will not be restricted for accessing service Without National ID
Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has assured that senior citizens above 90 years old will not face obstacles in accessing services even without a national identity card. Speaking at the House of Representatives, he highlighted that special provisions have been made for children, disabled individuals, and those unable to obtain a national ID.
He also stated that investigations are underway into concerns raised by lawmakers regarding citizenship, national identity cards, and personal incident registration services in districts like Siraha and Rautahat. To ease the process, ward-level card distribution has been initiated in selected districts, and the legislation to amend the National Identity Card and Registration Act, 2076, is under consideration in Parliament. President Authenticates E-Commerce Act
President Ramchandra Paudel has authenticated four bills, including the E-Commerce Bill, which was passed by both houses of the federal parliament on March 16, as per Article 113 (2) of the Constitution, according to the Office of the President.
With this authentication, the E-Commerce Act is now officially enacted. The act mandates company registration for online businesses and the establishment of electronic platforms for trading goods and services. Violations, such as operating without a platform or failing to disclose product details, may result in fines ranging from Rs 10,000 to Rs 50,000, while more serious offenses, including failure to meet business liabilities, could lead to 2–3 years of imprisonment or fines of up to Rs 500,000. The act also includes consumer protection measures, requiring businesses to resolve complaints, ensure clear product information, and allow returns if goods do not meet expectations. | | | Successful Conclusion of the Digital Rights and Safety Workshop
Digital Rights Nepal (DRN) and Yuwalaya, with the support of OXFAM, have successfully concluded a two-day Digital Rights and Safety Workshop aimed at strengthening digital security awareness and capacity among civil society leaders and OXFAM partners.
The workshop featured interactive discussions, hands-on training, and knowledge-sharing sessions on crucial topics, including digital rights, cybersecurity, digital safety, information integrity, data protection, and Nepal’s legal and policy framework on digital rights and safety. This initiative reaffirmed our shared commitment to fostering a secure and resilient digital ecosystem.
Key Highlights:
✅ In-depth discussions on digital rights and the evolving digital civic space
✅ Specialized sessions on fact-checking, combating misinformation, digital inclusion, privacy, and data protection
✅ Practical training on safe communication and personal digital security
✅ Interactive group exercises on cybersecurity and digital hygiene
✅ Collaborative strategy development for a secure and resilient digital civic space
We extend our sincere appreciation to all participants, partners, and supporters for their valuable contributions in making this workshop a success.
#DigitalRights #CyberSecurity #CSOTraining #SaferInternet #InformationIntegrity #DRN | | | | 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. | | | | |
