Former-Minister Basnet Released on Bail in TERAMOCS Corruption Case
The Special Court has ordered the release of former Communication and IT Minister Mohan Bahadur Basnet
on bail of NPR 2.5 million in connection with the TERAMOCS procurement corruption case. The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) accused Basnet of advancing the project during his term, causing a loss of over NPR 3.21 billion to the Nepal Telecommunications Authority. Basnet denied the charges, stating he only provided policy direction in line with ICT Policy 2072 and had no role in procurement. The court, finding no immediate grounds for custody, granted bail pending trial. Eighteen individuals, including Basnet and other officials, have been named defendants in the case.
Civil Servants Barred from Political Comments on Social Media Under New Bill
Civil servants in Nepal are now
prohibited from commenting in favor of or against public officials, political parties, or their leaders on social media. This restriction is outlined in Section 89 of a new bill passed by the House of Representatives on 29 June 2025. The provision bans civil servants from using electronic means or social media to express opinions that could promote hatred, conflict, or violence, particularly in political contexts. The bill will now proceed to the National Assembly, and after full parliamentary approval and presidential certification, it will come into effect.
Journalist Dilbhushan Pathak Released on Bail in Cybercrime Case
The Kathmandu District Court has ordered journalist Dilbhushan Pathak to post a bail of NPR 25,000 in a cybercrime case involving alleged defamation and hate speech through a YouTube channel. The order, issued on 3 July 2025 by Judge Khemraj Bhatta, stated no need for immediate arrest.
The case, filed on 30 June, accuses Pathak under Section 47(1) of the Electronic Transactions Act, 2006, which carries a penalty of up to five years’ imprisonment, a fine up to NPR 100,000, or both. Authorities also seek compensation for the victim and a contribution to the victim relief fund. The complaint, registered under the pseudonym “Cyber Bureau 59 (2081/082),” alleges that Pathak’s YouTube content defamed the victim and promoted hate, affecting public morality.
Government Mandates E-Commerce Businesses to Register by 18 July
The Government of Nepal has directed all e-commerce businesses—existing and new—to register on the official government portal by 18 July, in accordance with the newly enforced Electronic Commerce Act, 2082. The Department of Commerce, Supply and Consumer Protection issued the notice, stating that businesses selling goods or services online must apply through the department’s e-business portal at doc.gov.np. Failure to register by the deadline will result in legal action, the department warned. A portal operation manual is also available on the website to assist businesses with the process.
Nepal’s Mobile Internet User Base Expands with Surge in 4G Adoption
As of the end of Baisakh 2082, the number of people using mobile broadband internet services in Nepal reached 26,252,476, encompassing users of 2G, 3G, and 4G services. According to data released by the Nepal Telecommunications Authority, this represents an increase of 267,174 users compared to the previous month, Chaitra 2081. Out of the total mobile broadband users Nepal Telecom accounted for 14,497,392 customers whereas Ncell’s total mobile broadband users stood at 11,754,784.
U.S. Embassy in Nepal Requires Social Media Details for Visa Applications
The U.S. Embassy in Nepal has issued a notice requiring visa applicants to provide details of their social media accounts used in the past five years. Failure to do so or providing false information could lead to visa denial or future ineligibility. The rule applies through the U.S. Department of State’s online application form, where applicants must list platforms and associated usernames. However, applicants should not share passwords, and those with no social media use can select the ‘None’ option.
YouTube Raises Live Streaming Age Limit to 16 Starting July 22
YouTube has announced that starting July 22, creators must be at least 16 years old to live stream without adult supervision. Those aged 13 to 15 will now require an adult editor, manager, or co-owner on their channel to stream. The update expands on YouTube’s existing policy that requires children under 13 to have adult supervision during live broadcasts. After the deadline, live chat and other features will be restricted for users under 16 unless supervised, and any broadcasts violating these rules will be removed.
