How Safe Is Your Data in Nepal? Cybersecurity Expert Chiranjibi Adhikari Raises Concerns Over Gaps in Privacy Laws

Kathmandu, April 13, 2025 — In a compelling presentation held at Sankalpa College in Banepa-10, Janagal, Kavrepalanchok, cybersecurity expert Chiranjibi Adhikari shed light on the current state of data protection and privacy legislation in Nepal. As the CEO of One Cover Private Limited and a nationally recognized cybersecurity leader, Adhikari emphasized both the progress and pressing gaps in Nepal’s legal framework for data privacy.

Highlighting key provisions such as Article 29 of the Constitution of Nepal (2015), the Individual Privacy Act (2075), and the National Penal Code (2017), Adhikari acknowledged the foundational protections offered by the country’s legal system. However, he pointed out significant shortcomings—including the lack of a dedicated data protection authority, absence of critical data subject rights such as data erasure and portability, and no mandatory breach notification requirements for organizations.

“Nepal’s laws provide basic privacy safeguards, but they fall far short of international standards like the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR),” Adhikari warned. He called for urgent reforms, including the establishment of a data protection regulatory body, stronger enforcement mechanisms, and modernized legal rights for citizens.

Adhikari also noted that Nepal’s data laws have limited territorial reach, applying only to domestic entities, which creates vulnerabilities in the era of cross-border digital interactions. He expressed concern that without swift legal modernization, Nepal risks falling behind in the global digital economy while leaving its citizens exposed to increasing cybersecurity threats.

A veteran with over two decades of experience in ICT, Chiranjibi Adhikari is well-known for his contributions to cybersecurity awareness and digital governance in Nepal. He has conducted over 500 programs across the country and serves in various key positions, including Vice President of the Federation of Computer Association Nepal and Cybersecurity Advisor to the Nepal Chamber of Commerce. His extensive expertise and ongoing advocacy underscore his commitment to enhancing Nepal’s cyber resilience and protecting its digital future.