Digital Rights Weekly/ Year 4 Issue 33

On 1 August 2025, the Government of Nepal published the draft National Intelligence Bill, 2082 for public feedback, aiming to replace the Special Services Act, 1985. The Bill seeks to expand the mandate of the National Investigation Department (NID) under the Prime Minister’s Office, granting it sweeping powers for surveillance, covert operations, counter-intelligence, and the use of advanced technologies to address threats such as terrorism, organized crime, cybercrime, and smuggling. Digital Rights Nepal (DRN) will soon release a policy brief on the Bill.

Nepal Approves National AI Policy 2025

The Government of Nepal has approved the National AI Policy, 2025, designed to promote innovation and ensure the ethical use of artificial intelligence. Drafted by the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, the policy establishes legal, institutional, and regulatory frameworks to guide AI development across sectors. The policy emphasizes building skilled human resources, supporting research and entrepreneurship, protecting privacy and citizens’ rights, and fostering public–private partnerships and foreign investment.

Writ Filed Against new amendment relating to Online Media Registration

A writ petition has been filed at the Supreme Court challenging the recent amendment that requires online media outlets to register and renew through District Administration Offices. Petitioners lawyer Anil Acharya, Law News editor Suman Kumar Luintel, and Bid Media chairman Bikash Giri argue the rule violates constitutional guarantees of press freedom and free expression. The amendment to Section 7(b) of the Printing and Publication Act, 2048 obliges online media to apply and pay fees to the Chief District Officer. The petitioners claim this provision undermines Article 17(2)(a) on freedom of expression and Article 19 on the right to communication.

Nepal Police Warns Against Fraudulent Apps on Social Media

Nepal Police has cautioned the public about rising cases of online fraud through fake apps promoted on social media. Recently, fraudsters tricked users with ads claiming to provide stock market analysis via an app called NEPSE AI. Once downloaded, the app remotely accessed victims’ devices, transferred large sums of money, including one case of over Rs 2.8 million, and erased all data. The Cyber Bureau urges people not to open unknown links or install unverified apps, to enable two-factor authentication, update passwords regularly, and use only official app sources. Victims are advised to immediately contact their bank and the nearest police office if such incidents occur.

Allows PSPs to Impose Sanctions for Money Laundering and Terrorism

Nepal Rastra Bank has issued the ‘Guidelines on Targeted Financial Sanctions for Payment Service Providers, 2082’, enabling PSPs like IME Khalti, eSewa, CGPay etc to freeze assets and block services for individuals or entities involved in money laundering or terrorism. Under the guidelines, PSPs must immediately freeze accounts or wallets of those on restricted lists from the Ministry of Home Affairs and the UN Security Council. Transactions are prohibited, and accounts must be reported to the Financial Information Unit within three days. Non-compliance may result in warnings, fines of NPR 1–2 million, or license cancellation.