|
|
Government Revises e-NID Download Service After Security Lapses
The Government of Nepal’s introduction of an online mechanism to download the provisional electronic National Identity Card (e-NID) marked an important step toward improving digital public service delivery. However, the system quickly exposed serious security and privacy vulnerabilities. Initially, users could download an individual’s e-NID by entering only basic personal information, such as name, date of birth, and citizenship issuance date, without any robust identity verification. This weakness enabled unauthorized access to sensitive identity documents, including those of high-profile public officials, raising significant concerns over identity theft, data protection, and the security of Nepal’s digital governance infrastructure. Cybersecurity experts and digital rights advocates criticized the system for failing to adequately protect citizens’ personal data, undermined the government’s responsibility to ensure privacy, and increased the risk of misuse of national identity information.
Following public scrutiny and media reporting, the Department of National ID and Registration immediately suspended the online download service. Shortly afterward, it reinstated the facility with improved security by introducing SMS-based One-Time Password (OTP) verification. Under the revised system, users can only download their e-NID after verifying an OTP sent to the mobile number registered during national ID enrollment. Individuals without a registered mobile number must visit a National ID office to access the service.
The incident underscores the importance of integrating privacy and security by design into digital government services. As Nepal continues expanding digital identity and e-governance initiatives, implementing strong authentication, minimizing unnecessary data exposure, and conducting regular security assessments will be essential to maintaining public trust while protecting citizens’ fundamental right to privacy. |
|
|
Press Freedom Under Pressure in Nepal
Press freedom in Nepal came under renewed pressure this week following two significant developments that raised concerns over freedom of expression and media independence.
Journalist Binod Dhakal was arrested in a cybercrime case over Facebook posts criticizing public officials and has since been sent to Sunsari for further investigation. His arrest has raised concerns about the increasing use of cybercrime provisions to target journalists for expressing critical opinions.
In another concerning development, the Kathmandu District Court extended its interim order directing Business Venture Media Pvt. Ltd. to remove and halt the publication and broadcast of news reports published on BusinessNews.com concerning Cimex Inc. Pvt. Ltd., the official distributor of BYD electric vehicles in Nepal. The order, originally issued on June 19, requires the immediate removal of the 66 reports from all online platforms until the court reaches a final decision.
The court’s order has drawn widespread criticism, particularly from the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ). The FNJ argued that the directive contradicts Clause 5(8) of the Journalist Code of Conduct, 2073, which explicitly discourages the removal of already published online news. It also stated that the order bypasses the statutory role of the Press Council Nepal, the body legally mandated to examine the accuracy and ethical compliance of news reporting.
Ordering the removal of news before determining its factual accuracy undermines the principles of independent journalism, risks the destruction of evidence, and sets a troubling precedent for prior censorship. Similar interim orders issued by courts in previous cases have also raised concerns about their compatibility with the constitutional and legal guarantees of press freedom. Expansion of Government Digital Complaint and Grievance Platforms
Several government agencies in Nepal have recently introduced digital grievance redress mechanisms to improve public service delivery and citizen engagement. The Ministry of Infrastructure Development launched “Hello Infrastructure”, enabling citizens to report complaints related to roads, bridges, drinking water, and other infrastructure through a toll-free number, WhatsApp/Viber, and email. Similarly, the Ministry of Home Affairs introduced the “Hello Home Call Center”, allowing citizens to submit complaints via a toll-free number, official government email, WhatsApp, and QR code. Similarly, the Nepal Medical Council also launched the “Hello NMC” online portal, enabling patients and doctors to file complaints online, track case progress, and receive updates through SMS and email, making grievance handling more accessible and transparent.
However, these initiatives have failed to adequately consider issues relating to data protection, cybersecurity. For example, Hello Infrastructure idrew criticism for using a Gmail address instead of the mandatory @nepal.gov.np government domain, raising concerns over compliance with government email directives, cybersecurity, and data protection. Nepal’s Mobile Broadband Users Near 27.5 million as 4G Adoption Grows
Nepal’s mobile broadband user base reached 27.5 million by the mid of May in fiscal year 2025/26, an increase of 1.24 million users compared to the same period last year. Nepal Telecom accounts for 15.28 million mobile broadband users, followed by Ncell with 12.22 million. The growth has been driven primarily by rising adoption of 4G services, while 3G usage continues to decline. The shift reflects Nepal’s ongoing transition to faster and more reliable mobile broadband, with telecom operators gradually phasing out 3G services in favor of wider 4G adoption. |
|
Strengthening Protection for Human Rights Defenders
Digital Rights Nepal (DRN), in collaboration with COCAP and partner organizations, co-organized the National Conference on Human Rights Defenders on 21-22 June, bringing together over 150 participants from civil society, government, law enforcement, the National Human Rights Commission, media, and other stakeholders.
DRN contributed to two key sessions. Adv. Santosh Sigdel, Executive Director, DRN, spoke on “Ink Under Siege: Journalists as Human Rights Defenders,” while DRN, facilitated the panel on “Digital Safety and Online Harassment of Human Rights Defenders,” focusing on digital threats, protection mechanisms, and ways to strengthen digital safety.
A key outcome of the conference was the adoption of a declaration recognizing the importance of protecting digital rights, online freedom of expression, digital civic space, and the digital safety of human rights defenders. |
|
|
| Unveiling Cyber-Surveillance Technologies in South Asia
Digital Rights Foundation has published a new report, Unveiling Cyber-Surveillance Technologies in South Asia, examining the evolving landscape of state surveillance in select countries of South Asia. The report explores the historical development of surveillance practices, assesses existing legal and regulatory frameworks along with their shortcomings, reviews oversight mechanisms, and analyzes the growing deployment of digital surveillance technologies. The study further highlights how weak governance, inadequate legal safeguards, and limited accountability have facilitated the expansion of surveillance infrastructures across the region. It also examines the broader implications of these developments for human rights, privacy, freedom of expression, and civic space. |
|
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. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
