Concerns Raised Over Paid Access to Voter Information The Election Commission, through the First Amendment to the House of Representatives Member Election Directive, 2082, has permitted political parties and independent candidates to obtain digital copies of the voter list upon payment of NPR 10,000 (nationwide), NPR 5,000 (provincial), and NPR 3,000 (district or constituency). Although the data excludes dates of birth, citizenship numbers, and mobile numbers, it still contains personal information. In this regard, Digital Rights Nepal has submitted a memorandum to the Election Commission of Nepal (ECN), strongly objecting to this provision. It states that the disclosure of voter information such as voter ID numbers, age, gender identity, and parents’ names violates the Constitution of Nepal and the Privacy Act, 2075. DRN warns that the release of such sensitive personal data enables profiling, poses heightened risks to gender minorities, and undermines privacy, democratic integrity, and public trust in the electoral process. Digital Rights Nepal therefore demands the immediate suspension of the paid-access arrangement, a review of voter information already made publicly available online, and amendments to the directive in line with constitutional and legal safeguards, following meaningful consultation with civil society, legal experts, and human rights defenders. | | | Man Arrested for Sending 5 Million Political SMS, Raising Privacy and Election Concerns
Police have arrested a man for sending nearly 5 million SMS messages in a single day by misusing a bulk SMS alert system to promote politically motivated propaganda. He was taken into custody and is currently under investigation, according to the Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office. The incident sparked public backlash as millions of citizens received political messages without their knowledge or consent, violating the right to privacy and basic data protection principles. Affecting nearly five million mobile users in a single day, it raised serious questions about how personal mobile numbers were accessed and why safeguards within bulk SMS and telecom systems failed. Although Nepal Telecom denied sharing customer data, the absence of a timely response from the telecom regulator deepened public concern.
More critically, the misuse occurred during a sensitive pre-election period, intensifying fears of digital manipulation of public opinion. Such politically motivated use of communication systems can distort democratic processes and inflame social tensions. The incident highlights serious gaps in Nepal’s data protection framework and regulatory enforcement, underscoring the urgent need for stronger oversight and accountability to prevent similar abuses.Cyber Attacks Cast Shadow Over Election Process
As the Sushila Karki–led government prepared for elections following the Gen-Z uprising, a wave of cyberattacks targeting key government websites emerged from October onward. A group calling itself Nepali for Nepal (NFN) claimed responsibility, releasing videos on Telegram alleging control over systems such as the Election Commission, National ID Department, and Nepal Electricity Authority.
The incidents, which coincided with peak voter registration activity, triggered public concern and prompted an investigation by the Cyber Bureau. Two young suspects were arrested, while NFN has now announced plans to surrender after a press conference in Kathmandu. Six Charged for Tampering with National ID System
A case has been filed at the Kathmandu District Court against six individuals for illegally accessing and manipulating the National Identity Card Information Management System. Two data entry operators at the National Identity Card and Registration Department allegedly misused colleagues’ user IDs and passwords to alter citizens’ personal and biometric data and approve fake identities. Four others involved are absconding and suspected of attempting to obtain identity cards using false information.
Investigations confirmed unauthorized system access, data deletion and replacement, and attempts to issue IDs despite biometric mismatches. CCTV footage and system logs support the findings. The accused face charges under the National Identity Card and Registration Act, with possible sentences of 5-10 years in prison and fines up to NPR 1 million. The case has raised serious concerns about government data security and insider threats. New E-commerce Guidelines Bring Online Platforms Under ICT Standards
The E-commerce Guidelines, 2026, now in effect, empowers the Ministry of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection to enforce ICT minimum standards on all online business platforms. Issued under the E-commerce Act, 2025, the guidelines require mandatory listing, system audits, data protection measures, and regulatory compliance for both domestic and foreign e-commerce platforms, including those operating via social media.
The move brings online businesses under formal government oversight to curb fraud, protect consumers, and ensure tax and legal compliance. Platforms failing to register or meet standards face suspension, while the department will conduct regular inspections and handle consumer complaints through a dedicated resolution mechanism. SMC App Scam Exposed; 11 Arrested
Nepal Police’s Cyber Bureau has uncovered a large-scale online fraud involving the SMC app, which allegedly targeted over 70,000 Nepalis by promising easy earnings, defrauding more than Rs 128.16 million. Authorities have arrested 11 individuals, including a Chinese national, for operating the scam, which is suspected to have functioned as a Ponzi-style scheme. Investigations are ongoing under cybercrime and organized crime laws. | | | Mis/disinformation Election Commission to Monitor Online Platforms Ahead of 2026 Elections Election Commission Nepal (EC) has announced that it will actively monitor social media platforms to curb the spread of fake news, misinformation, hate speech, deepfakes, and fake accounts ahead of the House of Representatives elections on March 5, 2026. According to the reports, the EC has deployed specialized tools under its Information and Integrity Promotion Unit and is coordinating with platforms like Meta, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter) to track misleading content, warned that those spreading illegal or defamatory material could face action under existing laws. However, reports of ECN collaborating with the Nepal Army for social media monitoring has cautioned the civil society and other stakeholders. Misinformation Trends Ahead of Nepal’s Elections This week saw a noticeable rise in mis/disinformation trends across social media platforms. Several posts circulated making false political claims, including fabricated statements attributed to President Ramchandra Poudel and leaders of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) regarding the restoration of the monarchy. These claims have been debunked by independent fact-checkers. There has also been a surge in impersonation and identity misuse. Public figures such as Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah and RSP leaders were targeted through fake accounts and posts, often accompanied by digitally altered images or misleading captions. Fraudulent pages posing as official political party accounts have emerged, in some cases using blue verification badges to falsely signal authenticity. Additionally, a fake Facebook page impersonating Gen Z activist Miraj Dhungana gained followers before later changing its name. Offensive or provocative content falsely attributed to high-profile individuals has also circulated widely, contributing to political tension and public confusion. These incidents underscore how rapidly mis/ disinformation, image manipulation, and impersonation can spread on popular platforms during politically sensitive times in Nepal . The Election Commission’s proactive monitoring and collaboration with technology companies aim to mitigate these risks and safeguard the integrity of the electoral process. Citizens are urged to trust only verified official sources, cross-check viral claims with reputable fact-checkers, and report suspicious content to platforms and authorities, as controlling online misinformation remains vital for preserving public trust and democratic integrity ahead of this crucial election. | | | | DRN Activities Interaction Program on Information Integrity to Ensure Free and Fair Elections
Information Integrity is Key to Free and Fair Elections.
Amid growing risks of misinformation, disinformation, and coordinated digital interference in electoral processes, stakeholders emphasized that free and fair elections are not possible without strong information integrity and responsible journalism.
These concerns were highlighted at an interaction program titled “Information Integrity to Ensure Free and Fair Elections,” organized by Digital Rights Nepal (DRN) in partnership with the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) with the support of Media Defence. During the event, DRN launched its handbook on “Digital Rights and Safety, Information Integrity, and Election Reporting” to support journalists in responsible and ethical reporting.
The panel discussion featured Kumar Acharya, Chair of the Press Council Nepal; Nilkantha Uprety, former Chief Commissioner of the Election Commission of Nepal; and Dr. Gopal Krishna Siwakoti, Chair of the National Election Observation Committee (NEOC). Panelists reflected on key challenges related to disinformation, press freedom, institutional accountability, and electoral credibility. They emphasized that the integrity of elections is deeply interconnected with the credibility and responsibility of the media.
The interaction reaffirmed the importance of sustained collaboration among journalists, regulatory bodies, and civil society to counter disinformation, strengthen public trust, and safeguard democratic values through free and fair elections.
#InformationIntegrity #FreeAndFairElections #Democracy #MediaFreedom #CounterDisinformation #DRN #FNJ #ElectionReporting | | | Publication Practical Handbook on Digital Rights, Information Integrity, and Election Reporting In view of the growing threats posed by misinformation, disinformation, and digital interference in electoral processes, the Digital Rights Nepal (DRN), in collaboration with the Federation of Nepali Journalists with the support of Media Defence, has published the “Practical Handbook on Digital Rights and Security, Information Integrity, and Election Reporting.”
The handbook serves as a comprehensive and practical guide primarily for journalists working in the digital domain. It addresses key areas including digital security, privacy protection, fact-checking, identification of misinformation, and the ethical and sensitive aspects of election reporting. The publication aims to strengthen journalists’ capacity to practise safe, informed, and responsible journalism, particularly during elections and other politically sensitive periods, thereby contributing to ethical, accurate, and accountable reporting.
The handbook is expected to be a valuable resource in promoting fact-based professional journalism and safeguarding democratic integrity in the digital era.
Full read : Digital Rights, Safety, Information Integrity & Election Reporting | | | 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. | | | |
