Nepal

Nepal blocks social media platforms: Nepal's government blocked several social media platforms (Facebook, X, YouTube) for failing to comply with registration requirements. The ban was lifted a day later.

Information Technology and Cybersecurity Bill, 2082 presented: The 'Information Technology and Cybersecurity Bill, 2082' was presented in the House of Representatives, proposing stricter penalties for cybercrimes including broadcasting obscene materials and enhanced data protection.

National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy, 2082 enacted: The National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy, 2082, was enacted.

Notice on Social Media Regulation (MoCIT): Ministry of Communication and Information Technology issued a notice regarding the regulation of social media platform usage.

Article on Cybercrime Punishment in Nepal published: Notary Nepal published a comprehensive guide to punishments for cybercrime in Nepal, including details on ETA and Muluki Penal Code.

Notice on Social Media Regulation (MoCIT): Ministry of Communication and Information Technology issued a notice regarding the regulation of social media platform usage.

Notice on Social Media Regulation (MoCIT): Ministry of Communication and Information Technology issued a notice regarding the regulation of social media platform usage.

Nepal commits to online safety for children: Nepal's Minister Nabal Kishore Sah Sudi expressed the country's commitment to protecting children from online risks at the We Protect Global Alliance Summit 2024.

Article on Cyber Crime Laws in Nepal published: Prime Law published an article detailing cybercrime laws in Nepal, including the Electronic Transactions Act 2063 and Muluki Penal Code 2074.

Online Child Protection Procedure, 2021 approved: The Ministry of Women, Children, and Senior Citizens approved and put in place the Online Child Protection Procedure, 2021, as per Section 86 (1) of the existing Children's Act, to curb online abuses of minors.

Cyber Security Bylaw 2020 (CSB) enacted: The Cyber Security Bylaw 2020 was enacted to set standards and guidelines for cybersecurity for telecommunication and internet service providers in Nepal.

CSAM reporting portal created: A portal was created in 2019 by UK-based INHOPE Member the IWF in collaboration with local partners, enabling people in Nepal to report suspected-CSAM.

Nepal blocks 25,000 pornographic websites: Nepalese internet providers began blocking thousands of pornographic websites following a government directive based on new criminal and civil codes, aimed at stopping sexual violence.

Sweeping ban on porn sites in Nepal declared: The government declared a sweeping ban on porn sites in Nepal from September 24, 2018, initiated by the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) under the direction of the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology.

Government instructs NTA to ban porn sites: The government instructed the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) to ban access to sexual obscene content via the internet, citing Muluki Aparadh Samhita 2074, Section 121.

Nirmala Panta rape and murder case: The heart-wrenching case of Nirmala Panta, a 13-year-old girl, sparked massive public outrage and contributed to the government's decision to ban pornographic content.

Child Act 2018 criminalizes CSAM: Nepal's Child Act 2018 criminalizes the production, distribution, sale, and possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM).

Online Media Operation Directive 2017 issued: The Online Media Operation Directive 2017 was issued, drawing criticism from Freedom Forum for potentially suppressing freedom of expression.

Muluki Criminal Code, 2074 (2017) enacted: The Muluki Criminal Code, 2074 (2017) was enacted, including provisions against producing, publishing, distributing, or displaying obscene materials.

Journalist Code of Conduct 2073 (2016) enacted: The Journalist Code of Conduct 2073 (2016) serves as a fundamental legal instrument for regulating ethical standards and professional integrity in journalism.

Constitution of Nepal 2072 (2015) enacted: The Constitution of Nepal 2072 (2015) guarantees freedom of opinion and expression, forming the foundation for online media operation.

Information Technology Tribunal 2008 (ITT) established: The Information Technology Tribunal 2008 was established as a judicial body to hear and decide cases related to electronic transactions and cybercrime.

Electronic Transaction Act Nepal 2063 (2008) authenticated: The Electronic Transaction Act Nepal received authentication on December 8, 2006 (22 Mansir 2063).

Electronic Transaction Act Nepal 2063 (2008) commenced: The Electronic Transaction Act Nepal, officially known as the Electronic Transactions Act, 2063 (2008), commenced from September 2, 2006 (24 Bhadra 2063).

Code of Journalist Ethics, 2003 enacted: The Code of Journalist Ethics, 2003, serves as a fundamental legal instrument for regulating ethical standards and professional integrity in journalism.

Copyright Act, 2002 enacted: The Copyright Act, 2002, addresses digital copyright violations.

Children’s Act, 1992 enacted: The Children’s Act, 1992, criminalizes the sharing of child pornography or exploitation online.

Press Council Act 2048 (1991) enacted: The Press Council Act 2048 (1991) serves as a fundamental legal instrument for regulating ethical standards and professional integrity in journalism.