| Registration and Renewal of Online Media Halted After Legal Amendment
The Department of Information and Broadcasting has suspended the registration and renewal of online media effective July 6, 2025, following amendments to the Printing Press and Publication Act, 2048. A public notice issued on July 5 stated that the department’s ongoing work in this area has been halted as the amended law assigns these responsibilities to local authorities, but implementing regulations have yet to be drafted. The amendment, published in the Nepal Gazette on July 30, 2025, defines “online media” and requires operators to apply for registration at the District Administration Office, which will decide on approval after necessary scrutiny. However, provisions for registration, operation, and renewal are to be set out in future regulations. Until these are finalized, the registration and renewal process will remain indefinitely suspended.
The provision granting Chief District Officers discretionary authority to approve or reject registration has drawn criticism from journalists, who warn it could be used to control media by denying registration under vague “appropriateness” criteria. The change, they argue, poses risks to independent journalism and leaves unclear whether online media will receive benefits such as public welfare advertisements or one-time registration without renewal, similar to print media.
Federation of Nepali Journalist has expressed serious concerns about the amendment to the Printing and Publication Act, 2048, which shifts online media registration, operation, and renewal to local administration under the Chief District Officer. In a press release, FNJ stated that this contradicts the constitution and federal governance, resembling outdated Panchayat-era practices. They criticized the new provisions as objectionable, unclear, and impractical, highlighting the lack of proper consultation with stakeholders and warning that it undermines democratic policy-making. |
| Press Council Opens Registration for YouTube Channels
The Press Council Nepal has announced that YouTube channels operated by journalists for journalistic purposes can now register with the council. In a statement issued on August 3, 2025, the council said that channels meeting the requirements under Clause 4(2) of the YouTube Management, Registration, and Archiving Procedures, 2080 and submitting an application will be eligible for registration.
According to the council, this arrangement has been implemented under the YouTube Management, Listing, and Documentation Procedure, 2080 as part of efforts to regulate and monitor online content. During the fiscal year 2081/82, the council had alerted 28 YouTube channels, 29 Facebook pages, and 7 web portals for promoting violence and terrorism, spreading hatred, and publishing unverified, misleading, or rumor-based materials. Additionally, 43 unregistered YouTube channels have been referred for further investigation over misleading, indecent, and obscene content, often driven by baseless claims and exaggerated thumbnails or titles, ignoring the council’s directives and spreading confusion among the public.
Embossed Vehicle Number Plates Mandatory from September 2025
A committee led by Minister Devendra Dahal has decided that from September 17, 2025, it will be mandatory to install embossed number plates on all vehicles. This requirement will apply to all transport registrations, name transfers, and renewals across provincial governments. The Technical Support Department will coordinate with the Ministry of Home Affairs and traffic police to ensure smooth implementation and enforcement.
EU AI Rules for General-Purpose Models Take Effect, Boosting Transparency and Safety
The EU’s AI Act now applies to general-purpose AI (GPAI) models, requiring providers to enhance transparency, copyright protection, and responsible development. GPAI models, those trained with over 10^23 FLOP and capable of generating language, must comply with new rules from August 2, 2025, while existing models have until 2027.
The European Commission issued guidelines and a data summary template to support providers. A voluntary GPAI Code of Practice offers reduced regulatory burden and legal certainty. Advanced models exceeding 10^25 FLOP face stricter obligations, including notifying the Commission and ensuring safety.
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Opportunities
Pentester Nepal 12th Anniversary: Call for Presentations
Join Pentester Nepal in celebrating its 12th anniversary by presenting at the special event on August 16, 2025, at Yulens College, Khumaltar, Lalitpur. This is a great opportunity to share your valuable insights, innovative ideas, or cutting-edge research in cybersecurity and contribute to the community’s growth.
The event will feature expert presentations, a Capture the Flag (CTF) competition, awards, gifts, and networking opportunities.
Apply here: Pentester Nepal 12th Anniversary Call for Presentation Form
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DRN activities
Digital Rights Nepal and Martin Chautari Host Dialogue on Social Media Bill
On August 5, 2025 (20 Shrawan 2082), Martin Chautari and Digital Rights Nepal held a timely dialogue on Digital Rights and the Social Media Bill, 2081. The session focused on the bill’s impact on freedom of expression, digital rights, content creation, and civic space in Nepal.
Participants from civil society, media, and creative sectors critically examined the bill, highlighting concerns about overregulation and stressing the need for a balanced, rights-based approach to digital governance that protects democratic freedoms while addressing online harms.
Thanks to all who joined and contributed to this important discussion. |
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Digital Rights Nepal Co-Hosts Seminar on AI and Journalism Education
The Media, Communication and Journalism (MCJ) Program at North South University (NSU), in collaboration with UNESCO and Digital Rights Nepal, successfully hosted a hybrid seminar in its regional series titled “AI and Journalism: Future Directions in Media Education.” The event, held with partners Kathmandu University (Nepal) and Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (India), explored AI’s impact on journalism education in South Asia, focusing on curriculum gaps, newsroom changes, and ethical challenges.
Keynote speaker Shawkat Hossain Masum from Prothom Alo shared insights on responsible AI use in newsrooms. NSU faculty presented a scoping report emphasizing the need to integrate ethics and practical AI applications into journalism curricula. The seminar highlighted the importance of preparing students for the evolving media landscape through interdisciplinary education and ethical guidance. |
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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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| This publication has been produced with financial support from Norway. The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of Digital Rights Nepal and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the Government of Norway. |
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