Nepal's Tech Law Timeline: Facts No Cap 🧢

The Digital Evolution 📉📈

For the Gen Z legal enthusiasts, here is exactly how Nepal went from zero to “Digital Nepal” in legal terms.

1997 (2053 BS): The Telecommunications Act 📞

• The Event: Cell phones became a thing.
• The Law: Government allowed private companies (like Ncell later on) to enter the game.
• Vibe: Snake game era.

2004 (2061 BS): Electronic Transactions Ordinance 💻

• The Event: First recognition of “Digital Signatures”.
• The Law: Recognized that a PDF contract is as valid as paper.

2008 (2063 BS): The Electronic Transactions Act (ETA) ⚖️

• The Event: The “Big Daddy” of Cyber Law.
• The Law: Section 47 introduced. Jail for “immoral” posts.
• Impact: Still the main law used to arrest people for Facebook posts today.

2018 (2075 BS): The Privacy Act 🔒

• The Event: Post-Constitution privacy rights.
• The Law: Your data is YOURS. CCTV needs permission.
• Impact: Taking photos of people without consent became illegal.

2019 (2076 BS): IT Bill Controversy 🚩

• The Event: Government tried to pass a strict IT Bill.
• The Law: Proposed heavy fines for social media insults.
• Status: Stalled due to backlash.

2023 (2080 BS): TikTok Ban & Unban 📱

• The Event: Government banned TikTok citing “social harmony”.
• The Law: Cabinet decision (not a new Act).
• Status: Unbanned later with strict conditions.

2025 (2082 BS): The National AI Policy 🤖

• The Event: AI regulation officially begins.
• The Law: AI Regulation Council established.
• Current Mood: Trying to figure out how to tax ChatGPT.

TL;DR

Nepal’s tech laws basically react to whatever new tech scares the government. From “Snake Game” to “Deepfakes”, the law is always chasing the tech.