Corruption Scandals Paralyze Nepal Telecommunications Authority The Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA), regulatory body of telecom and internet, is now in crisis due to a series of high-profile corruption scandals. Major irregularities in the procurement of the Telecommunication Traffic Monitoring and Fraud Control System (TERAMOCS) and Mobile Device Management System (MDMS) projects have led to lawsuits against dozens of NTA officials, including former ministers and chairpersons. Over NPR 3 billion was spent on TERAMOCS to monitor telecom revenue and service quality, but instead of implementation, legal action followed. With numerous senior staff suspended and fearful of making decisions, project delays and administrative stagnation have become routine. Internal morale has plummeted, and no major initiatives have moved forward in recent years. | | | Nepal Set to Introduce Remote Work Policy Within a Year The Government of Nepal is set to introduce a comprehensive Remote Work Policy within a year as part of the Economic Reform Implementation Action Plan, 2082. This policy, based on the recommendations of the High-Level Economic Reform Suggestion Commission, 2081, will be implemented by the Ministry of Labor, Employment and Social Security in coordination with the Ministry of Finance. It aims to provide legal recognition and regulation for remote work, including for non-resident Nepalis (NRNs). Key provisions of the policy include formally recognizing remote work as a category under the Labor Act and allowing remote workers to register online with the labor office. It will enable Nepali citizens and NRNs to work for foreign companies while residing in Nepal and open convertible currency accounts at commercial banks to receive foreign income. This policy is expected to modernize the employment framework in Nepal and tap into the potential of the global digital workforce. Power Disruption Hampers Nepal Telecom Services Across Karnali Province Telecommunication services across various areas of Karnali Province have been disrupted due to a power outage caused by a recent storm. The storm damaged the Kohalpur-Surkhet 33 kV power line in the Kohalpur-Chisapani area, directly impacting Nepal Telecom’s operations, the company has reported. According to Nepal Telecom’s regional office in Surkhet, since May 21, 2025, users in several districts of Karnali Province have been facing difficulties accessing both wireless and broadband services. 73 ISPs Face Ultimatum Over Unpaid Dues
Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) has identified 73 internet service providers—including Classic Tech, Dish Media Network, and Websurfer—for failing to pay royalties and Rural Telecommunications Development Fund contributions. These ISPs have also not submitted mandatory audit reports for several years, despite repeated reminders. On May 21, NTA issued a public notice giving them a 15-day deadline to comply. Failure to do so may result in license revocation under the Telecommunications Act, 2053. | | | Opportunity Spooked? Talk to a cybersecurity expert If you’re part of a nonprofit and want to learn more about cybersecurity and how to protect your organization from digital threats, you’re in luck: The Engine Room is starting a new program called CATio Spaces that lets you sign up for a half-hour session to chat with their cybersecurity experts. Check out the details and sign up now. Read more via The Engine RoomGlobal Gathering 2025 There is only one week left to apply to the Global Gathering. Join hundreds of defenders in lovely Portugal to work on strategies and tools to protect civil society and from technology-related challenges. Deadline to apply: May 31. For more : https://www.digitalrights.community/blog/2025-global-gathering-application DRAPAC Series: Human Rights Responsibilities and Challenges for Tech Companies Operating in Authoritarian Countries
EngageMedia is hosting a DRAPAC Series webinar on May 30, 1:00–2:30 PM Bangkok time (UTC+7). Article 19 published a report examining how tech companies operating in China, Myanmar, and Vietnam often passively comply with restrictive local laws, leading to human rights abuses, particularly around freedom of expression and privacy. The upcoming DRAPAC Series webinar will explore the report’s findings and discuss recommendations for improving corporate respect for human rights in authoritarian contexts. Register: https://engagemedia.org/2025/drapac-series-12-human-rights-tech-companies/ The Pulitzer Center Launches the South-to-South AI Accountability CoLab
The Pulitzer Center’s South-to-South AI Accountability CoLab aims to strengthen AI accountability reporting and civil society engagement in the Global Majority. From June to July 2025, it will host a series of three-day Peer Learning Circles for academics, researchers, and civil society members. Sessions will explore real-world cases, assess AI’s societal impact, and accommodate time zones across Africa, Latin America, South Asia, and Southeast Asia.
For more: https://pulitzercenter.org/south-south-ai-accountability-colabs-peer-learning-circle | | | | 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. | | | |
