Government Seeks Feedback on Digital Nepal Framework 2.0 The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MoCIT) has invited stakeholders to review and provide feedback on the draft of Digital Nepal Framework 2.0. Building on Digital Nepal Framework 1.0 (2019), the updated version aims to enhance digital transformation by addressing past challenges, including limited implementation, weak coordination, financial constraints, and technical capacity gaps. The new framework focuses on better coordination, skill enhancement, and phased implementation of digital initiatives for comprehensive socio-economic transformation. Suggestions can be sent to info@mocit.gov.np or it.section@mocit.gov.np within seven days from the notice’s publication. | | | Russian Hacker Group Breaches Nepal’s “Hello Sarkar” Website, Sells Citizen Data
The official website of Hello Sarkar, Nepal’s public grievance platform under the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, has been hacked by the Russian hacker group “Ghudra“, linked to Fancy Bear APT 28 and Russian military intelligence. The hackers are selling sensitive citizen data on the dark web, listing the entire database for $1,000 and offering “live cell access” for $1,300. Stolen data includes names, emails, mobile numbers, passwords, office IDs, and addresses.
Government officials, including Joint Secretary Prem Kumar Shrestha, have confirmed the breach and are working to restore the site. Cybersecurity experts warn of identity theft risks, exploitation of government systems, and potential damage to political reputations. This attack highlights Nepal’s cybersecurity vulnerabilities, raising concerns about protecting citizen data and digital governance systems from future threats.Supreme Court Launches Online System for Justice Delivery
The Supreme Court of Nepal has launched a new online system to streamline judicial processes and improve efficiency. The system will facilitate the digital transmission of notices between the Supreme Court, Chief Justice offices in all seven provinces, and district courts for handling specific petitions. During the inauguration, Chief Justice Prakash Man Singh Raut emphasized the need for judicial reforms and stated that digitization is essential for making the justice system sustainable, transparent, and reliable. The Supreme Court has been prioritizing digital integration to enhance case management and minimize paper use. NRB Establishes Digital Finance Innovation Hub
Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has launched a Digital Finance Innovation Hub under the Department of Payment Systems to advance digital financial services and foster innovation. The hub aims to support financial innovators by providing regulatory insights, assessing innovative proposals, and offering guidance on policies. It will facilitate access to regulators through consultations and non-binding recommendations, encouraging further innovation in digital finance. 11 Indian Nationals Arrested in Kathmandu for Online Gambling
Kathmandu police have arrested 11 Indian nationals from Budhanilkantha on charges of online gambling. The suspects, aged between 19 and 28, were found operating from Budhanilkantha Municipality-3. Authorities revealed that the group had conducted transactions exceeding Rs 2 Billion, including cryptocurrency transactions worth Rs 9.63 Million. The Kathmandu District Court has extended their remand for seven days as further investigations continue. Government Approves Electronic Transaction First Amendment Regulations 2025
The Government of Nepal has approved the Electronic Transaction First Amendment Regulations, 2025, enabling government agencies to issue digital signatures alongside private entities. The amendment aims to accelerate digital transformation and paperless governance. Previously, only a single private company provided digital signatures. With the amendment, government bodies, including the Integrated Data Management Center (National Information Technology Center), can now serve as certifying authority. This move is expected to expand the adoption of digital signatures nationwide, strengthening secure digital transactions in Nepal. | | Analysis of Draft E-Gov Blueprint Submitted Digital Rights Nepal and Accountability Lab Nepal have jointly provided an analysis and recommendations on the draft E-Governance Blueprint released by the Government of Nepal. While acknowledging its potential to enhance public service delivery through digital transformation, the analysis highlights key areas for improvement, including the document’s legal status, unclear strategic pillars, lack of situational analysis, and ambiguities in institutional coordination and digital inclusion. The analysis emphasizes the need for greater stakeholder participation, including civil society and the private sector, to ensure an inclusive and effective digital governance framework. Key concerns include unclear roles of the e-Governance Board, gaps in legal and regulatory structures, the absence of a clear roadmap, and insufficient focus on digital literacy and public engagement. Strengthening these areas will be crucial to making Nepal’s digital governance system more transparent, inclusive, and citizen-friendly. Read the full analysis here: An analysis and recommendations on the draft E-Governance Blueprint | | | | Opportunity Apply Now: ITU160 Gender Champions Program Young women (ages 18-25) working in digital development and transformation are invited to apply for the ITU160 Gender Champions initiative. Nine selected participants will receive full funding to attend global events in Geneva from July 7-11, 2025, including the WSIS+20 High-Level Event, AI for Good Global Summit, and ITU160 celebrations. Women from diverse backgrounds, particularly from developing and least developed countries, landlocked and small island states, indigenous communities, and those with disabilities, are strongly encouraged to apply. Click here to apply: ITU160 Gender Champions Program | | | 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. | | | |
