With rising incidents of online violence against women and children, Nepal cannot afford to delay the implementation of a strong cyber law. Recent trends show a sharp increase in cybercrime cases. There were 194 reports of cyber harassment against women and 10 against children in 2018/19, according to police records. However, these numbers jumped to nearly 8,000 cases involving women and 421 involving children in 2024/25. In 2020 alone, the Cyber Bureau recorded almost 9,000 cybercrime reports, with approximately 50 percent of them involving women. Most male victims faced online financial fraud, while women and children experienced multiple forms of harassment and sexual abuse, including blackmail. This surge in complaints clearly demonstrates that Nepal’s legal system is not adequately prepared to handle the growing threats of digital abuse. Pro-women groups, officials, and rights advocates stress that without stronger legislation, victims will continue to suffer emotional distress, stigma, and even physical harm.
The unseen side of cricket
The government still relies on the outdated Electronic Transactions Act of 2008, which does not provide sufficient legal tools to prosecute the wide range of modern cybercrimes. As a result, organisations working in the fields of women’s and children’s welfare and human rights have been urging immediate action to develop a comprehensive cyber law and legal protections for victims of digital abuse. The proposed Cyber Bill, tabled in the now-defunct House, lacked adequate safeguards for women and did not specify reasonable timeframes for reporting incidents. Neighbouring countries, meanwhile, have updated their IT laws to better protect victims and streamline prosecution. Concerns are also rising about the mental-health impacts of online abuse, which can create deep feelings of isolation and distrust. Many survivors who report online violence describe being ridiculed or shamed after speaking out. Advocates argue that survivors need emotional support, and parents need better awareness of the risks their children face online.
With online crimes increasing, authorities must strengthen social-media regulation and integrate digital literacy education in schools to reduce the risk of future harm. A modern cyber law will provide essential accountability for perpetrators and better support for victims. Cybercrimes have escalated to the point where they now severely affect families, communities, and the overall safety and security of Nepal’s citizens. The current rise in cybercrime is partly due to bureaucratic delays and political disagreements over replacing outdated laws. Implementing strong, gender-sensitive legislation is critical to protecting women, children, and all citizens from digital abuse. Without a comprehensive cyber law, Nepal will continue to lag behind global standards for cyber protection.
