| Over 1300 Government Websites Stalled Due to System Migration Delay
More than 1,300 government websites are unable to update content after missing the deadline to migrate to the new integrated system of the Information Technology Department. Since July 17, 2025, websites running on the old ‘C-panel’ system have ceased allowing edits, as the government mandated a shift to the new Government Integrated Website Management System (GIWMS) by the end of Ashad.
Director General Ramesh Sharma Paudyal explained that while the old sites remain accessible for viewing, officials can no longer log in or make changes. Only 380 out of over 2,200 government websites have fully migrated to the new system, with 870 entities yet to complete migration despite receiving access credentials. The department continues to assist with migration efforts, warning that delays may disrupt the flow of government information.
Kathmandu Reports First-Ever Case of Cyber-Kidnapping
Kathmandu police have reported Nepal’s first cyber-kidnapping case, where scammers used a WhatsApp video call to extort money by falsely claiming a 16-year-old boy was involved in a rape case. The caller, using a Pakistan-based number, showed a staged video and demanded Rs 800,000 in ransom from the boy’s mother, later reducing it to Rs 100,000 after gaining access to her mobile wallet via screen sharing.
The boy was later found safe at a local mall, unaware of the situation. Police believe the scammers accessed his personal data through phishing links. Though no money was stolen, authorities warn this case signals a dangerous rise in emotionally manipulative cybercrimes and urge the public to stay alert against suspicious calls and links.
Nepal Police Halts Release of Accused’s Photos Over Rights Concerns
The Nepal Police has decided to stop releasing photographs of accused individuals, citing concerns over potential human rights violations. Police Headquarters has issued a directive to all subordinate offices instructing them not to publicize such images. The decision follows a recent coordination meeting at the Office of the Attorney General, where IGP Deepak Thapa agreed to end the practice. Ghimire emphasized that the move reflects the police’s commitment to protecting individual rights and ensuring due process.
Government Disbursed Over Rs 8.8 Billion in Startup Loans for FY 2024/25
To boost entrepreneurship, the government has disbursed over Rs 8.86 billion in concessional loans to 600 startups across Nepal in the fiscal year 2024/25. Under the Startup Entrepreneurship Loan Procedure 2023, the Industrial Business Development Institute received 1,314 applications, shortlisted 1,073, and selected 661 projects. Due to incomplete documentation and unmet requirements, loans were granted to 600 startups. Each project can receive up to Rs 2.5 million at 3% interest. Targeted sectors include agriculture, handicrafts, furniture, homestays, and more. The initiative, launched in 2023/24, aims to encourage youth-led startups and promote innovation.
OTJA Launches ‘AI Code of Conduct-2082’ to Promote Ethical AI Use in Media
The Online TV Journalist Association (OTJA), Nepal, has launched the ‘Online TV AI Code of Conduct-2082’ to promote responsible and ethical use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Nepali media. The code aims to address challenges posed by AI misuse, including Deepfake technology, by emphasizing the importance of truth, accountability, and human values in journalism. Key provisions include requiring all AI-generated content to be verified, edited, and approved by humans before publication, with clear disclosure of AI use. It stresses enhancing journalists’ skills without harming employment and mandates respect for copyright laws.
The code also calls for strict adherence to laws protecting privacy, sensitivity, and security, forbidding AI’s use to spread misinformation or bias. All affiliated journalists must comply with the code, make it publicly accessible, and establish grievance mechanisms to address AI-related concerns. Regular review and updates will ensure the code keeps pace with technological advancements. As AI becomes more integral to media tasks, this code seeks to safeguard journalism’s credibility and accountability while embracing new technologies.
Federal Secretaries Approve 14-Point Plan to Improve Governance and Service Delivery
In a meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Ek Narayan Aryal, federal government secretaries approved 14 key decisions focused on enhancing governance, IT system management, disaster response, and legal reforms. The plan emphasizes smooth operation of IT systems using internal staff, timely approval of security protocols, and mandatory involvement of technical staff in software development.
The Ministry of Communication and IT is tasked with preparing a framework for effective software management within 15 days. The Ministry of Home Affairs will expedite the creation of detailed family records to support the Integrated Social Security System.
All ministries must complete performance evaluations for FY 2081/82 on time and regularly update their websites. The National Vigilance Center will monitor service delivery, asset use, and unauthorized vehicle usage, reporting to the Prime Minister’s Office. A consolidated report on past decisions is due by July 31.
House Committee Demands Progress Report and Pushes for Autonomous Media Council
The House of Representatives’ Education, Health, and Information Technology Committee has requested a progress report within seven days on the implementation of directives issued to various bodies during fiscal year 2024/25. The committee directed the Ministry of Communications to clarify issues related to the draft Media Council Bill, Information Technology and Cyber Security Bill, 2082, and the Social Media Bill, 2081, especially regarding their interrelated provisions. Lawmakers strongly emphasized that the Media Council must be established as an autonomous, independent, and impartial body to prevent government control. MPs proposed that the council president be independent, and that the council operate fairly without executive dominance, ensuring press freedom and accountability. The committee also decided to form a seven-member subcommittee to conduct a detailed clause-by-clause review of the Bill.
New Online RTI System Enables Citizens to Request and Appeal Information Digitally
From July 17, 2025, citizens can request information and file appeals online through the newly launched RTI Management System (rtims.gov.np) by the National Information Commission, eliminating the need to visit government offices in person. The system allows users to easily submit information requests and appeals if responses are delayed or unsatisfactory.
The Commission views this digital platform as a way to enhance transparency, accountability, and faster information flow from public bodies. Initially implemented across federal ministries, constitutional bodies, commissions, and departments, the system will gradually expand nationwide to include all government levels.
Hacker Group ‘DIKU’ Targets Nepalese Websites in Protest Against Telegram Ban
In response to the Nepalese government’s ban on the messaging app Telegram, the hacker group ‘DIKU’ has hacked several government and private websites, including Chitwan Medical College and Agriculture Knowledge Center Dang, demanding the ban’s immediate removal. The group condemned the restrictions as a violation of digital rights and called their actions a movement to restore Telegram access.
The hackers also criticized Nepal’s cybersecurity, calling the system weak and warning authorities to improve it or face further exposure. The ban, imposed by the Nepal Telecommunications Authority under the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, cites Telegram’s use in criminal activities like online fraud and money laundering. Telecom providers have since blocked Telegram, affecting millions of users across Nepal.
DRN Activities
Digital Rights Nepal Submits Civil Society Report on Digital Rights for UPR
Digital Rights Nepal (DRN), alongside the Digital Rights Action Group (DRAG), has submitted a civil society report on Nepal’s digital rights situation for the Fourth Cycle of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR). The report addresses key issues such as digital privacy and surveillance, online freedom of expression, internet access and inclusion, and recent policy and legal developments.
DRN expresses gratitude to all partners and contributors whose evidence and insights helped shape the report. The submission aims to promote stronger accountability and meaningful reforms to protect digital rights in Nepal.
Website link:https://digitalrightsnepal.org/report/nepal-joint-report-of-non-governmental-organization-on-universal-periodic-review-upr-for-51st-session/ |
