Nepal can no longer delay cyber law, officials warn amid rising online violence against women

KATHMANDU, Nov 24: Officiating Secretary at the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, Udaya Bahadur Ranamagar, has warned that Nepal must urgently draft a cyber law to address the rise in cases of digital violence against women nationwide.

Speaking at an event organized by the Forum for Women, Law and Development (FWLD) and Sancharika Samuha (SS) on the eve of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence on Monday, Officiating Secretary Ranamagar said complaints of online abuse have risen sharply in recent years. Police records show that there were just 10 complaints involving children and 194 involving women in FY 2018/19. By FY 2024/25, the numbers had jumped to 421 complaints involving children and nearly 8,000 involving women.

“This trend is extremely concerning,” he said, stressing the need for social media regulation and digital literacy in schools. “Globally, 38 percent of women face digital violence. Nepal cannot wait any longer.”

Police Inspector at the Cyber Bureau of Nepal Police, Deepa Bhattarai, shared that 9,000 cybercrime complaints were registered in the last FY, half of which involved violence against women. While men are mostly linked to financial fraud, women and children are the primary targets of online harassment, often involving blackmail and sexual harassment. She urged parents to stay alert, noting that digital abuse deeply affects mental health.

Former Miss Nepal Malvika Subba shared her experience as a survivor of online violence, saying victims often face backlash when they speak up. She called for open dialogue, emotional support, and more awareness among parents.

Gen-Z activist Kishori Karki highlighted discrimination within families as a root cause of rising violence, adding that existing laws lack provisions to support victims after complaints are filed.

FWLD Executive Director Sabin Shrestha said Nepal is still relying on the 20-year-old Electronic Transactions Act, 2008, to prosecute cybercrimes. “India and Bangladesh already have updated IT laws. Nepal needs one now,” he said, adding that the cyber bill in the dissolved House still lacks gender-sensitive language and an adequate statute of limitations.

SS Chairperson Kamala Panthi said digital violence today impacts more women than physical violence and stressed that laws must evolve with technology.

The event opened with a performance of Swatantra Paila, a theatre piece urging victims to seek help, report incidents, and access legal support—including through online channels.