Background
Ministry of Communications and Informational Technology has recently published National Cybersecurity Policy, 2021 for public feedback and sought public feedback. So far, the Electronic Transaction Act, 2006 (ETA) is the only instrument that deals with Cybersecurity cases. Last year, Nepal Telecommunications Authority had enforced the Cybersecurity Bylaws, 2020. This bylaw was basically intended for telecom operators that brought significant changes to the cybersecurity scenario within the telecommunications sector. Nepal Telecommunications Authority had prepared a National Cybersecurity Policy, 2016 but it was never adopted.
The current draft has come at such a time when the political environment is highly volatile. This policy aims to protect all categories of data and from theft and damage and includes the provisions for securing sensitive data, personality identifiable information, protected health information, personal information, intellectual property, data and government, and Industry information system. This policy is mandated to make necessary legal arrangements to build reliable, Secure, and Resilient cyberspace in the next 3 years and to establish institutional and organizational prerequisites to build reliable, Secure, and Resilient cyberspace in the next 5 years.
The situation caused by the COVID-19 has limited wider consultation scope as well. However, consultation among the stakeholders is prime. Lack of consultation and ownership crates controversy and become irrelevant. Considering the importance of the stakeholder consultation, Internet Governance Institute, Forum for Digital Equality and Digital Rights Nepal along with its collaborating partners is holding a stakeholders consultation.
Live on Facebook
Key Contributors
Gagan Kumar Thapa
Former Minister
Central Committee Member
Nepali Congress
Krishna Bhakta Pokharel
Chair
Law, Justice and Human Rights
House of Representative.
Anil Kumar Dutta,
Joint Secretary,
Ministry of Communication and Information Technology
Manohar K. Bhattarai
President
Internet Governance Institute
Contributors
Rajiv Subba,
Former DIG,
Nepal Police
Vivek Rana
Principal Consultant,
InfoAssure LLP
Ms. Nitu Pandit
President
Sancharika Samuha
Anjani Phuyal
CTO
Genese Solution
Mr. KP Dhungana
Founder President
Online Journalist Association
Roja Kiran Basukala
Vice Chair
CSRI