Nepal Cybercrime Investigations 2024: Social Media Cooperation, Data Privacy Challenges, and Solutions
12th February 2025, Kathmandu
Social media platforms are becoming more involved in cybercrime investigations, but cooperation levels vary. Meta (Facebook) and TikTok have been key players in assisting law enforcement with data requests.
Nepal Cybercrime Investigations 2024
In contrast, platforms like Twitter and Instagram have faced criticism for their lack of responsiveness. This cooperation is essential to addressing issues like online harassment, scams, and fraud in digital spaces.
Meta and TikTok Show Support for Investigations
Meta and TikTok are providing valuable assistance to authorities. According to Nepal’s Cyber Bureau officials, Meta has consistently supported investigations by sharing necessary data. After a brief hiatus, TikTok resumed cooperating with investigators, helping to trace cybercriminals. However, platforms like Twitter have shown limited engagement, making it harder for officials to track offenders.
The lack of timely cooperation from some social media networks complicates the process of combating online crimes. Law enforcement requires detailed data from these platforms to identify and prosecute criminals. The delay in receiving information from Twitter, for example, hinders progress in many investigations.
Facebook Leads the Charge in Cybercrime Complaints
Facebook remains at the forefront of cybercrime complaints. The Cyber Bureau’s recent reports highlight that the majority of cybercrime incidents occur on this platform. In the fiscal year 2023-24, of the 19,730 complaints filed, over 16,000 were linked to Facebook. Although the number of complaints decreased slightly in 2024, Facebook still contributes to a significant portion of online crime cases.
Despite the cooperation, authorities face delays in obtaining crucial data from Facebook. Meta takes approximately two to three weeks to respond to requests, a wait time that can impede timely investigations.
The Strain of Collecting Information for Cybercrime Cases
Cybercrime investigations are not only hindered by platform cooperation issues. Law enforcement also struggles to gather data from other essential sources, such as internet service providers, banks, and telecom companies. While some entities, including Nepal Telecom and financial institutions, have been relatively cooperative, the process remains complicated.
One major concern is the protection of privacy and confidentiality. Financial institutions, for instance, are bound by regulations to safeguard customer data, making it more difficult for authorities to access information without sufficient legal justification.
Increase in Financial and Gender-Based Cybercrimes
Financial fraud, including phishing and identity theft, is increasingly prevalent. Cybercriminals are using tactics like social engineering to deceive individuals into transferring money or providing sensitive details. They often create fake profiles or use “mule” accounts to cover their tracks.
Gender-based cybercrimes are also rising, with women and children being particularly vulnerable to harassment and exploitation online. The Cyber Bureau has recorded a surge in online abuse cases, especially targeting females. At the same time, men tend to be the primary victims of financial fraud.
Urgency for Legislative Reform and Extended Investigation Time
The Ministry of Communication and Information Technology has acknowledged the urgency of extending the statute of limitations for cybercrime complaints. The current 35-day deadline is insufficient for comprehensive investigations. To address this, the ministry is working on new cybersecurity legislation aimed at enhancing online protection and accountability.
As cybercrime evolves in complexity, balancing data privacy with effective law enforcement is a growing challenge. Although Meta and TikTok have demonstrated positive cooperation, broader platform engagement and strengthened legal frameworks are essential for long-term progress in combating cybercrime.
