Digital Governance and Policy

Digital Governance and Policy

Digital governance encompasses policies, regulations, and institutions shaping the digital economy.

Internet Governance

ICANN (domain names, IP addresses), IETF (standards), ITU (telecom). Multi-stakeholder model involves governments, private sector, civil society, technical community.

Digital Policy Areas

Broadband infrastructure, digital literacy, e-commerce regulation, data protection, cybersecurity, digital identity, competition policy.

Digital Rights

Freedom of expression online, privacy, access to information, digital literacy, data protection, freedom from surveillance. Net neutrality ensures equal treatment of traffic.

Nepal's ICT Policy

IT Policy 2067 (2010), Digital Nepal Framework 2019, Electronic Transactions Act 2063, Nepal Telecommunications Authority. Challenges: rural connectivity, digital divide, implementation.

Platform Regulation

EU Digital Services Act, Digital Markets Act, antitrust actions, data localisation, digital taxation. Ensuring fair competition and consumer protection.

Digital Divide

Gap in access (connectivity, devices), skills (digital literacy), and usage (meaningful use). Requires infrastructure investment, affordability, education, local content.

Summary

Digital governance shapes rules of the digital economy. Understanding policy, rights, Nepal's framework, and regulation enables informed participation in shaping digital policy.