Concerning Escalation of Threats to Press Freedom and Civic Space in Nepal
This week, Nepal witnessed alarming threats to press freedom, digital rights, and civic space. The Kathmandu District Court issued an interlocutory order directing Nepal Khabar and Bizmandu to remove articles about Santosh Narayan Shrestha, Chairperson of the Securities Board of Nepal, citing defamation. A hearing is scheduled for June 18. In another case, an arrest warrant was issued against journalist Dilbhushan Pathak following a complaint by Jayveer Singh Deuba over a segment aired on Tough Talk that alleged financial misconduct. The warrant was issued before verifying the report’s public interest, raising serious concerns about the criminalization of journalism. Further, Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba has been accused of threatening Nepal Republic Media director Shobha Gyawali, for covering the news about the arrest warrant against journalist Dilbhushan Pathak.
These incidents are part of a growing trend of hostility toward media and civic expression in Nepal. Legal experts, civil society organizations, and media groups have raised concerns over the misuse of court orders and cyber laws to suppress press freedom. The Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) condemned both the court order and the arrest warrant, warning that they violate constitutional and international standards of media freedom and may prompt legal action if not reversed. The Press Council Nepal also expressed concern, emphasizing that online content cannot be removed without due process under existing media guidelines. It reminded stakeholders of its role in handling media complaints through formal mechanisms.
Digital Rights Nepal (DRN) expresses deep concern over these incidents, which reflect a broader trend of shrinking civic space and attacks on democratic freedoms. The misuse of vague cyber laws to silence critical journalism undermines constitutional protections, especially the right to free expression under Article 19(1), which prohibits prior restraint on media. DRN urges authorities to withdraw the court order against Nepal Khabar and Bizmandu, revoke the arrest warrant against journalist Dilbhushan Pathak, and ensure a fair investigation. It also calls for urgent legal reforms to prevent the abuse of cyber laws and to strengthen press regulatory mechanisms. These actions are not just attacks on journalists—they threaten the very foundations of Nepal’s democracy.
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Government Tables IT and Cyber Security Bill in the Parliament
On 10 June 2025, the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (MoCIT) tabled the much-anticipated Information Technology and Cyber Security Bill, 2025 in the House of Representative. The bill, once enacted, will repeal the existing Electronic Transaction Act, 2008, and aims to modernize Nepal’s legal framework in line with emerging challenges and opportunities in the digital space. The proposed legislation includes comprehensive provisions on electronic signatures, domain name registration and management, data center and cloud service operations, establishment of a cyber security center, protection of critical information infrastructure, personal data and information protection, regulation of digital services and IT industries, and measures to address cybercrime and corresponding penalties.
Digital Rights Nepal (DRN) had previously provided feedback during the public consultation process initiated by MoCIT and continues to monitor the legislative developments closely. DRN will soon publish a detailed analysis of the bill, assessing its implications for digital rights, governance, and the broader ICT ecosystem in Nepal.
Nepal Sees Steady Surge in Internet Usage
Internet usage in Nepal is steadily increasing, driven by growing reliance on online platforms for education, work, and entertainment. According to the Nepal Telecommunications Authority’s MIS report for the tenth month of fiscal year 2081/82, the number of fiber-based internet connections reached 3,132,350 by the end of Baishakh 2082—an increase of 1,695 from the previous month. Worldlink Communication Pvt. Ltd. remains the largest internet service provider, serving over 1 million users.
Corruption Case Filed Against Nepal Telecom Officials
A major corruption case has been filed against 18 individuals, including Nepal Telecom’s current Managing Director Sangita Pahadi and former MD Sunil Poudel, over alleged irregularities in billing and procurement. The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has demanded Rs. 334.8 million in compensation, citing misappropriation of public funds and collusion in awarding a five-year integrated billing system contract.
KidsRights Warns of Global Youth Mental Health Crisis Driven by Social Media
On June 11, the children’s rights organization KidsRights sounded the alarm on a growing global mental health crisis among children and teens, largely fueled by the unchecked spread of social media. The latest report by the group reveals that 1 in 7 youths aged 10 to 19 face mental health challenges, with suicide rates among 15 to 19-year-olds at six per 100,000—figures likely underreported due to stigma. KidsRights has called for global child rights impact assessments, stronger education, and better mental health training.
France Considers Social Media Ban for Under-15s After School Stabbing
French President Emmanuel Macron has announced plans to ban social media access for children under 15 within months if no EU-wide action is taken. The statement follows a tragic incident in eastern France where a 14-year-old student fatally stabbed a school staff member during a routine bag check. Macron emphasized the urgency of protecting children online and called for swift European coordination, warning that France would act independently if necessary. While it’s unclear if social media influenced the attack, the incident has intensified concerns over youth safety and digital exposure.
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Digital Governance at Subnational Level
Karnali Province Unveils Digital Transformation Policy for FY 2082/83
Karnali Province has approved its policy and program for fiscal year 2082/83, emphasizing information technology as a key driver for provincial development. The plan includes a number of initiatives including creating a ‘Digital Karnali Framework’, providing incentives to attract Gen-Z youth to IT-based enterprises and services to boost tech entrepreneurship, expand faceless government services and integrate digital technology and AI in agriculture.
Madesh Province Prioritizes AI and Robotics
Madesh Province has announced the establishment of a School of AI and Robotics as part of its fiscal year 2082/83 policy. Additionally, Madesh Province will create a Space and Communication Center and a Startup and Incubation Center under the ‘Science and Technology Innovation Clusters’ initiative to promote innovation, entrepreneurship, and scientific research. In addition, the provincial government will roll out the “Hello CM” program, enabling citizens to directly submit complaints and suggestions to the Chief Minister’s Office via phone, social media, and digital platforms.
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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.
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