We all know that cyber crime is one of the fastest growing areas of crime around the globe. It can be committed residing in any part of world against individual/institution situated in other part. Advancing technologies have made people easier to commit these crimes. You can sit at your home and hack your neighbor’s WiFi easily with just a click. More and more criminals are exploiting the speed, convenience of the modern technology to commit more diverse types of crimes.
Nepal is not an exception when it comes to threat of cybercrime. Increasing internet and computer users, and the growth of technology has resulted the use of computers for cyber crime. Most Nepalese use computers and internet for entertainment purpose and are not aware of the risk they are involved in. They probably do not have the knowledge of cyber security.
For instance many people use Facebook but may not be aware of the security risks and threats.
Cyber Law of Nepal – Problems and Challenges
Prior to 2004, cyber crimes were dealt under the Public Offence Act. Electronic Transaction Act (ETA) 2063 was passed in 2004 which is known as the cyber law. It protects users online against cyber crimes.
Although the law is present, it serves little protecting the users online. The law has not been adequately amended as a need of time. The elements and dynamics of the web has been changing over time whereas the ETA remains constant.
Trend of cybercrime has changed in Nepal in comparison to previous years. Before, it was limited to data piracy, email blackmail, SMS blackmail, etc. whereas today it has reached a wide variety such as phishing , unauthorized access, online fraud, online illegal activities, etc. And there’s whole another level of social media related crime going on.
Nepal faces a huge hindrance due to its limited policies and regulation.
Lack of investigation and cyber forensic has diminished the chance of catching the criminals. Information Technology is changing all aspects of human activity and in such case Cyber Law is essential to the most. Online communication has risen to a new level and to protect it from being turned to a serious crime, Cyber Law of Nepal has to overcome the challenges it faces.