Rescue and Repatriation of Nepalis from Cambodia Scam Centers
Twenty-one Nepali citizens, lured into online scam operations in Cambodia, have been rescued and returned to Nepal. According to the embassy, the individuals were brought to Cambodia through deceptive means and forced to work in illegal online scam centers and casinos, often staying without valid visas. Many had their passports confiscated.
This is not the first of such incidents. In previous years, Nepalis have repeatedly been found stranded in Cambodia under similar circumstances. For example, on 28 January the Cambodian National Police raided the Banh Cheang Casino complex in Bavet city, arresting more than 2,000 foreign nationals, including Nepalis, on suspicion of online fraud. Such cases reflect a growing pattern of exploitation targeting Nepalis seeking quick income abroad.
The embassy has urged citizens to obtain proper work approval before traveling abroad and avoid countries such as Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand under the pretext of tourism or quick money schemes. Cambodian tourism data shows a rising number of Nepali visitors, from 101 in 2021 to 9,676 in 2025, highlighting the increasing risk of exploitation.
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Nagarik App Introduces OTP via Email for Global Access
The Nagarik App has been updated allowing users to receive one-time passwords (OTPs) not only via SMS but also through email. Previously, OTPs were sent only to the registered mobile number, and the service could be used only from that device. With the new email OTP system, users can access the service from anywhere in the world via the internet. However, the initial email verification must still be completed within Nepal; it cannot be done from abroad.
AI-Generated Fake Media Floods Social Media Amid Iran–US Tensions
Social media, especially X, is witnessing a surge of AI-generated fake images and videos related to the Iran–US conflict. Despite X announcing strict policies last week to label such content or face penalties, including 90-day suspension from revenue-sharing, misinformation continues to spread widely.
Researchers report that the volume of AI-created media surpasses previous conflicts, making it hard for users to distinguish real from fake. Some accounts have shared highly viewed misleading content, including fabricated scenes of attacks on the US military or embassies. Fact-checkers worldwide, from Brazil to India, are struggling to verify such material.
Monetization incentives also encourage the spread of sensational or false content. Experts warn that digital traces of AI media can be easily removed, limiting detection, and community fact-checking is only partially effective. They emphasize the urgent need for stronger measures to curb AI-driven misinformation during sensitive conflicts.
Nepal Ends RTDF Broadband Program via Local Governments
The Nepal Telecommunications Authority has discontinued its broadband expansion program under the Rural Telecommunications Development Fund (RTDF) through local governments. Agreements with local bodies that failed to select providers or start work have been canceled, while those that completed projects must submit payment claims within 15 days. Launched in 2077/78 under a Cabinet decision led by KP Sharma Oli, the program aimed to provide two years of free broadband in earthquake-affected districts and community schools across 66 districts. Despite billions spent, implementation remained partial, with limited coverage across local levels and schools.
Nepal’s Internet Usage Hits 100 Gbps Following Elections
For the first time, Nepal’s internet traffic surpassed 100 Gbps on March 8, according to Nepal Internet Exchange (NPIX) data. Average weekly download (ingress) was 42.16 Gbps and upload (egress) 41.399 Gbps, peaking at nearly 100 Gbps on March 8. The surge is attributed to election result coverage on news portals, social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and the ICC T20 World Cup final between India and New Zealand, which many streamed online.
Whistleblowers Accuse Social Media Giants of Promoting Harmful Content
Whistleblowers and former employees have alleged that Meta and TikTok knowingly promoted borderline harmful content to boost engagement and profits. Insiders claim content like misogyny, conspiracy theories, and hate speech was amplified, with Instagram’s Reels reportedly having higher levels of abuse due to weak safeguards. Concerns were also raised about TikTok prioritizing political issues over serious child safety complaints. Both companies have denied the allegations, highlighting investments in safety features. However, experts warn that opaque algorithms still prioritize engagement and revenue over user well-being.
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Mis/disinformation
Post-Election Misinformation and Hate Speech Surge in Nepal
Nepal is witnessing a continued rise in misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech across social media in the post-election period, with much of the content driven by political motives. Several misleading incidents have surfaced. A doctored image falsely showing an RSP MP drinking alcohol was circulated online, while AI-generated defamatory content targeting political figures has also emerged. False claims about UML leader Sher Bahadur Tamang securing a parliamentary seat for his wife were debunked, as she was not elected despite being on the PR list.
Similarly, an old statement by MP Khagendra Sunar criticizing teachers was reshared out of context, sparking unnecessary backlash. Viral posts alleging nepotism in the Nepali Congress PR list and a misleading video involving RSP leader Hari Dhakal were also found to be partly or entirely false. Beyond politics, online abuse is also found escalating. Singer Jyoti Magar faced a wave of obscene and threatening comments on social media following a post about her upcoming performance in Dang.
The continued spread of misinformation and hate speech, especially when driven by political interests, poses serious risks to Nepal’s social cohesion. It contributes to public distrust, fuels polarization, and undermines democratic norms and the integrity of information ecosystems. As Nepal navigates its post-election phase, the persistence of such content highlights the urgent need for stronger digital literacy, responsible platform governance, and effective regulatory responses to safeguard the information environment.
Nepalis Among Dozens Arrested in UAE Over Misleading Social Media Content
Two Nepalis are among 27 individuals arrested by UAE authorities for allegedly spreading misleading and AI-generated content that threatens national security. UAE Attorney General Dr. Hamad Saif Al Shamsi has ordered a fast-track trial for the accused. According to reports, the suspects operated in three groups, sharing real missile interception footage with fear-inducing edits, creating fake AI-generated videos of attacks within the UAE, and posting propaganda supporting enemy states. Authorities say such content aimed to spread panic, distort facts, and undermine national stability.
The UAE has warned that misuse of social media, including sharing or reposting such content, is a serious criminal offense that can lead to imprisonment and heavy fines. Following the arrests, Nepali nationals in the UAE have been urged to exercise extreme caution while posting or sharing content online.
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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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