Digital Rights Weekly/ Year 5 Issue 24

Jun 12, 2026

Authorities Destroyed Devices in Siraha: A Digital Rights and Rule of Law Concern
The destruction of 496 mobile phones and five smartwatches seized during the Secondary Education Examination (SEE) and High School Education Board (HSEB) exams in Siraha has sparked concerns that extend beyond exam discipline to issues of legality, property rights, privacy, and digital rights. Reports indicate that the devices were submerged in water and destroyed on administrative instruction. District-level authorities reportedly carried out the destruction, while the National Examination Board was not formally informed beforehand.
This raises a fundamental rule-of-law concern administrative decisions cannot override legal procedures. Under Nepal’s constitutional framework, the destruction of private property without clear legal authority raises serious questions of legality and proportionality. Even where devices are linked to misconduct, confiscation for evidence or administrative action does not automatically justify their destruction. Less intrusive alternatives such as fines, lawful retention, or other administrative penalties could have served the same deterrent purpose while respecting property rights.
The case also highlights an important digital rights dimension. Mobile phones are not merely physical objects; they contain personal data, including messages, photographs, academic records, and financial information. Destroying devices without a clear data-handling protocol raises concerns related to privacy, data protection, and digital security. Water damage does not necessarily guarantee secure data destruction, leaving open questions about the protection of sensitive personal information.
Recognizing the seriousness of these concerns, the Supreme Court of Nepal issued an interim order halting further destruction and directing authorities to preserve the seized devices. The Court’s intervention underscores an important legal principle: confiscation does not transfer ownership to the state or grant unrestricted authority to dispose of private property. Beyond rights and legal concerns, the incident has also raised environmental questions regarding the improper disposal of electronic waste.
Ultimately, the Siraha case reflects a broader governance challenge: balancing exam integrity with constitutional safeguards and emerging digital rights protections. In the digital age, confiscated devices are not just physical property they are repositories of personal data and legal interests. Clear legal protocols governing seizure, data protection, retention, and disposal are essential to ensure accountability and prevent similar rights violations in the future.

Security Concerns Raised Over Nagarik App Vulnerability
Cybersecurity researchers have raised concerns over a reported security weakness in Nepal’s Nagarik App after claims that sensitive technical information was exposed. Researchers said leaked configuration details, encryption-related information, and system credentials could create security risks. A technical analysis of the app highlighted issues including weak encryption practices, insecure data handling, and other development-related vulnerabilities. Researchers argued that even inactive or unused credentials should not remain exposed, as they may create future risks. However, the Nagarik App management team has denied any major security breach, stating that the exposed information does not threaten the current system. The team said it will review the findings and implement necessary security improvements.

Nepal Bans Strikes in Essential Public Services, including internet
Through a Nepal Gazette notice, the Ministry of Home Affairs, Nepal invoked the Essential Services Operation Act, 2014, to ensure uninterrupted access to critical public services, with special focus on communication and technology sectors prohibiting strikes in 25 essential service sectors, including internet, telephone, communication, weather services, and electricity.

Nepal Introduces Accessibility Tools on Government Websites
800 plus Government websites under the Integrated Website Management System in Nepal have introduced accessibility features to make digital services easier for persons with disabilities and citizens with limited technical skills. Under this drive, tools like font adjustment, contrast control, color filters, text-only mode, and keyboard navigation have been added, following international WCAG standards. However, some major ministries, including the Home Ministry and Ministry of Law, are yet to update their websites, and local governments also need to update their own websites separately. Disability rights advocates have called for mandatory adoption of accessibility standards across all government digital platforms.

Nepal Allocates NPR 1.77 Billion for Digital Transformation Project
The government has allocated NPR 1.7797 billion for the Digital Transformation Project in fiscal year 2083/84 as a priority initiative under the Prime Minister’s Office and Ministry of Communications. Of the total budget, NPR 1.3383 billion is allocated through the Prime Minister’s Office and NPR 441.4 million through the Ministry of Communications. The project will be funded through concessional loans from the Asian Development Bank, World Bank, and international Development Association. The budget will support digital services, software development, infrastructure, training, and technology-related investments.

UN Commits Support for Nepal’s Digital Transformation
Representatives of United Nations agencies have pledged continued support to strengthen Nepal’s digital systems, including the Nagarik App, GIOMS, and Hello Government. During a meeting with Information and Communication Minister, UN agencies representatives expressed willingness to collaborate on digital literacy, cybercrime control, digital security, and capacity building, while Nepal highlighted digital transformation, press freedom, and improved public services as key priorities.
Sani Bheri Bans Social Media Use During Office Hours
Sani Bheri Rural Municipality has prohibited the use of social media platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube during office hours (10 a.m.–4 p.m.) to improve service delivery and workplace discipline. The municipality said excessive social media use was affecting productivity and introduced the measure to ensure faster and more efficient public services.

Ministry Forms Probe Committee Over Public Broadcasting Irregularities
Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, Nepal has formed a committee to investigate alleged financial irregularities, procedural weaknesses, and financial discipline issues in the Public Service Broadcasting Organization. Led by Engineer Dr. Avash Maske, the committee will review satellite service agreements, technology upgrades, procurement processes, and related complaints, and submit recommendations within 21 days.

NTA Blocks 35 Piracy Platforms for FIFA World Cup 2026 Streaming
Nepal Telecommunications Authority has directed internet and mobile service providers to block 35 websites and apps allegedly involved in unauthorized streaming of FIFA World Cup 2026 matches in Nepal. The move was taken to protect the exclusive broadcasting rights held by HTV-DGO Broadcasting Consortium and prevent copyright violations. The authority warned providers of legal action if they fail to block the listed platforms.

Mercantile Begins Re-verification of Inactive .np Domains
Mercantile Communications has started re-verifying around 90,000 inactive .np domains that were registered but unused for years. The move aims to release parked domains and make them available to new users. Mercantile clarified that .np domains are not immediately expiring, but inactive domains without re-verification may be suspended or released. Users must update ownership details and submit required documents through the dashboard to retain their domains.

DRN Supports Inclusive AI Governance at UN Dialogue
Digital Rights Nepal (DRN) contributed to a submission by the MAP-AI community to the UN Global Dialogue on AI Governance, calling for a human rights-based, inclusive, and accountable approach to global AI governance.
The submission highlights priorities including safe and trustworthy AI, capacity building, data justice, sustainable AI development, and meaningful participation of civil society, academia, and underrepresented communities. It also advocates for transparent multistakeholder governance models inspired by global internet governance practices.

UNESCO and ICANN Promote Multilingual Internet Access
UNESCO and Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) have launched a policy brief to advance Universal Acceptance (UA) of multilingual domain names and email addresses. The brief highlights barriers faced by users accessing the internet in local languages and recommends policy reforms, capacity building, and multistakeholder cooperation to create a more inclusive digital environment.

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.

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.