| Budget Session Begins with Pressure to Pass Key Bills
The budget session of Nepal’s federal parliament begins on April 25, 2025. While the session traditionally focuses on the budget and upcoming fiscal policies, there is added pressure to pass several crucial bills this time. Among the 32 bills under consideration, key bills such as the school education bill, Federal Civil Services bill and Social Media bill have drawn significant attention. The school education bill is expected to address demands of protesting teachers, while the federal civil service bill aims to prevent unrest among employees.
To manage the legislative workload, the Parliament Secretariat has prepared a schedule for the first three days (April 27-29), focusing on sending pending bills to committees and passing those already reviewed. This session is seen as critical for advancing long-awaited legislative reforms. Millions of Nepali Citizens’ Information Leaked
A hacker group named ‘Kaju’ has claimed to have breached the Nepal Police website and is selling personal data of over 2 million citizens on a dark web. The post alleges that data, including photos, citizenship and passport scans, is available for $7,000. A sample download link containing 500 files was also shared. Nepal Police has initiated an internal investigation to verify the claim. Previously, the same group claimed to have hacked the Lumbini Province Public Service Commission website, putting data of 300,000 users—including ID photos and signatures—on sale for $1,000. The commission has not confirmed the breach, though the website remains functional.
These incidents highlight severe cybersecurity vulnerabilities in Nepal’s public digital infrastructure and the urgent need for robust security measures to protect citizens’ personal data. Private Sector Services Now Included in Nagarik App
The Nagarik App, managed by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, will now integrate private sector services alongside government services, as per the newly issued Nagarik App (Operation and Management) Guideline, 2082 BS. This guideline allows public and private service providers to offer their services through the app, with approval from the Ministry after reviewing compliance with safety standards, data confidentiality, and legal requirements. Private organizations must request inclusion through the Department of Information Technology.
To use the app, users will need a SIM-based user ID and a One-Time Password (OTP) for identity verification, linked with their telecom provider’s KYC data. The app’s management will be assessed annually to ensure its effectiveness. Man Arrested for Trafficking Nepali Youth into Cyber Slavery in Cambodia
Nepal Police has arrested 22-year-old Sandesh Shahi from Kathmandu for trafficking a man to Cambodia under the false promise of a high-paying job. According to the Human Trafficking Investigation Bureau, Shahi lured the victim with a monthly salary offer of Rs 100,000–150,000 and sent him via India and Malaysia. The victim was held hostage in a Chinese-run illegal company and forced to pose as a woman to scam Indians into investing in cryptocurrency. He was made to work 13–15 hours daily with a monthly fraud target of Rs 20 lakh. The arrest was made on April 22 after the victim filed a complaint. Shahi’s remand has been extended for further investigation. EU Vows Tough Enforcement of Digital Laws on Big Tech
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to enforcing its digital laws against tech giants like X, Meta, Apple, and TikTok—regardless of where the companies are based or who leads them.
Responding to criticism from U.S. officials, von der Leyen stressed the EU’s focus is on protecting people, not politics. Her comments push back against claims that enforcement may be politically influenced, especially amid U.S. pressure and trade tensions. The EU is currently considering fines under laws like the Digital Services Act and Digital Markets Act, with X possibly facing a hefty penalty following a recent probe. Meta Uses AI to Boost Teen Safety on Instagram
Meta is ramping up efforts to protect teens on Instagram by expanding its use of AI to detect users under 18 who falsely claim to be adults. Such accounts will be automatically shifted to Teen Accounts, which come with stricter safety settings like private profiles and limited interactions. Teens under 16 will need parental consent to change these settings. Meta’s AI analyzes content like birthday posts and user reports to identify age discrepancies, and users can request reviews if wrongly flagged. | 
