Digital Rights Weekly/ Year 5 Issue 25

Jun 19, 2026

INTERPOL Flags Nepal as High-Risk Target for Cybercrime
INTERPOL has identified Nepal as a high-risk country for cybercrime, particularly from the RedLine Stealer malware, according to its Asia and Pacific Cyber Threat Assessment 2025/2026 report. The malware targets sensitive information such as login credentials, browser data, cryptocurrency wallets, and system details, putting users and organizations at risk.
RedLine Stealer is widely available on the cybercrime market and is commonly spread through phishing emails, malicious advertisements, and pirated software. In Nepal, the banking and financial sectors are among the major targets, while healthcare, education, and e-commerce sectors also face growing risks due to weak data security practices. The report highlights major cyber threats in the region, including online scams, phishing, ransomware, deepfake-enabled fraud, and business email compromise. INTERPOL has warned that the misuse of artificial intelligence is further increasing cyber risks, especially through sophisticated fraud schemes.
In similar line, Nepalese authorities recently have warned the public to stay alert against phishing links, fake apps, and fraudulent messages. The Nepal Telecommunications Authority, Nepal Police Cyber Bureau, Nepal Telecom, and Ncell have advised users not to click on suspicious links, download unverified apps, or share sensitive information such as OTPs, passwords, and PINs. The Cyber Bureau has also cautioned against fake applications claiming access to FIFA World Cup 2026 matches, as such apps may compromise mobile devices and financial accounts.
As cyber threats become more advanced and widespread, Nepal’s growing digital ecosystem requires stronger cybersecurity preparedness, public awareness, and coordinated action among government agencies, private sectors, and citizens. The finding of Nepal as a high-risk target highlights the urgent need to strengthen data protection practices, improve cyber resilience, and promote responsible digital behavior. While technological measures such as security tools and authentication systems are essential, building a cyber-aware society remains equally important to protect individuals, institutions, and critical services from evolving cyber threats.

AI-Assisted Fake Court Documents Lead to Arrest and Investigation
The Kathmandu District Court has sent a person to jail for further investigation over allegations of creating fake court documents using artificial intelligence tools, including ChatGPT and digital signature software.
Police investigation found that the accused allegedly created forged court letterheads, stamps, and signatures and used them to produce fake notices claiming court cases had been reopened and payments were required. The documents were reportedly prepared using publicly available samples of court materials and AI tools. The accused allegedly attempted to use the fake documents to mislead individuals for financial gain. Authorities recovered electronic devices and forged documents during the investigation. The incident has raised concerns about the misuse of AI tools for creating fraudulent documents and scams.KMC Prioritizes Digital Governance and Full Automation in FY 2083/84
Kathmandu Metropolitan City has prioritized digital transformation in the upcoming fiscal year 2083/84, aiming to fully automate service delivery, record management, and decision-making processes through e-governance. The metropolis plans to expand digital public infrastructure through GIS-based systems, open data, AI technologies, and integration with national and provincial digital platforms, including the National ID, Nagarik App, payment systems, land records, and revenue systems.
It will also establish the “KMC Dashboard” for real-time monitoring of municipal services, projects, revenue, infrastructure, environment, disaster management, and complaints. Alongside strengthening cybersecurity and IT infrastructure, KMC has planned digital governance and cyber hygiene training for employees and digital literacy programs for service users.

Advertisement Board Orders Removal of Misleading Social Media Ads
The Advertisement Board has directed the immediate removal of false and misleading advertisements on social media, especially those promoting unauthorized medicines and health products. The board warned advertisers, sellers, content creators, and platforms against violating advertising laws and said legal action will be taken against offenders. It also urged the public to report misleading advertisements that may harm health and consumer interests.

Government Prioritizes Digital Transformation and Media Reform
Nepal’s Communication and Information Minister has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting freedom of expression, press freedom, and the right to information while making the media sector more accountable and credible. Presenting the ministry’s budget priorities for FY 2083/84, he said focus areas include media, telecommunications, postal services, film, and printing sectors, with a total budget allocation of Rs. 5.93 billion.
The government will prioritize digital transformation, cybersecurity, affordable telecom services, expansion of broadband infrastructure, modernization of postal services, and reforms to strengthen media accountability. The minister also highlighted initiatives for fact-checking, media innovation, journalists’ rights, and improved public information access.

Nepal Brings OTT Platforms Under Legal Regulation
The government has officially brought OTT platforms under regulation by amending the National Broadcasting Regulations, 1995. Both domestic and foreign OTT service providers operating in Nepal will now need permission and registration. The new rules introduce licensing and fee structures for OTT services, aiming to improve content regulation, tax collection, consumer protection, and transparency in Nepal’s growing digital media sector.

Local-Level Employees Must Follow Social Media Code of Conduct
The government has introduced a social media code of conduct for employees working at local levels to ensure professional, ethical, and disciplined online behavior. Employees are prohibited from sharing misleading information, political or harmful content, personal grievances, or posts that damage the dignity of public service. They must use official email for government work and exercise caution while using platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, LinkedIn, and TikTok.

Digital Transformation of Home Administration Planned
Home Minister Sudhan Gurung has announced plans to transform Nepal’s traditional home administration into a digital system through the upcoming budget. The plan includes using AI for crime investigation, advanced drones for security and disaster response, and integrated digital systems for public services. A budget of Rs. 504.9 million has been allocated to develop AI and analytics capacity for the Nepal Police Cyber Bureau. The ministry also plans to link national ID cards with public services, introduce digital police performance evaluation, expand case tracking through SMS, and strengthen border monitoring through modern technology.

Citizens Can Now Download e-NID Online
The Department of National Identity and Registration has launched an online service allowing citizens to download their provisional national ID (eNID) through the Citizen Portal. The eNID includes a photo and QR code for verification, with authorities instructing institutions to verify details by scanning the QR code. Users, however, have reported issues with the captcha system while downloading.

Major Cryptocurrency and Money Laundering Case Exposed in Nepal
Nepalese authorities have filed charges against multiple individuals for allegedly operating an illegal cryptocurrency trading network worth more than NPR 4.33 billion over a three-year period. Investigators found that the group used cryptocurrency platforms, bank accounts, digital wallets, and third-party identities to conduct large-scale transactions and conceal the source of funds.
The investigation revealed extensive cryptocurrency transactions and suspicious financial activities involving numerous accounts and digital payment services. According to the prosecution, the network employed various methods to disguise the origin of funds, including transferring money through multiple accounts and converting illicit earnings into assets and financial products.

Nepal to Modernize “Hello Sarkar” with AI-Powered Citizen Grievance System
The Government of Nepal is upgrading the “Hello Sarkar” platform into an AI-powered centralized citizen grievance system by integrating telephone, mobile apps, web portals, and social media channels. The upgraded system will automate complaint processing, including converting voice calls into text and forwarding them to relevant agencies.
Citizen use of the platform has grown significantly, with complaints increasing from 11,932 in fiscal year 2080/81 to 45,623 by Jestha of 2082/83. So far, 116,007 complaints have been registered, of which 65,469 (56.44 percent) have been resolved, while more than 19,000 remain under process. The government plans to link grievance resolution performance with officials’ evaluations and integrate provincial and local grievance systems into a unified platform.

DRN Conducts Validation Workshop on Digital Space and Nepal Election 2026 Report
DRN successfully conducted the Validation Workshop on the Report on the Use and Impact of Digital Space in Nepal Election 2026 on 15 June 2026.
The workshop provided a valuable platform to present the study’s key findings and facilitate discussions on the growing role and impact of digital spaces in Nepal’s electoral landscape. The feedback, recommendations, and insights shared by participants will significantly contribute to strengthening and refining the final report.
DRN extends its sincere appreciation to all participants and stakeholders for their active engagement and valuable contributions. The final report will be published and made publicly available soon.

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.