Kathmandu: The United Kingdom is set to become the first country to enact legislation targeting artificial intelligence tools used to create sexualized images of children. The move aims to tackle a growing issue, which Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has warned is on the rise.



The government announced on Saturday that it will criminalize the possession, creation, or distribution of AI tools that generate abusive images. Violators could face up to five years in prison. These AI-generated images are often created by digitally altering real photos of children or by superimposing their faces onto existing explicit material, according to government officials.



Additionally, possessing AI-generated “paedophile manuals” that provide instructions on using AI for child exploitation will be a criminal offense, carrying a maximum penalty of three years in prison.



The new laws will also target individuals who operate online platforms facilitating the sharing of child abuse content or advice on grooming, with offenders facing up to 10 years in prison.



“This is a deeply disturbing trend,” Cooper told Sky News on Sunday. “The spread of online child sexual abuse material is accelerating, and AI is now amplifying the problem.”



She explained that AI tools are making it easier for offenders to manipulate images of children, using them for extortion and further exploitation. “It’s one of the most appalling crimes,” she added. “No other country has introduced such measures yet, but I hope they will follow suit.”



Cooper also cited findings from a recent inquiry, revealing that approximately 500,000 children in the UK experience some form of abuse annually, with the online aspect becoming increasingly prevalent.



The Internet Watch Foundation (IWF), a UK-based non-profit dedicated to combating online abuse, has raised alarms about the growing volume of AI-generated child abuse content. In a 30-day period in 2024, IWF analysts identified 3,512 AI-generated child abuse images on a single dark web platform. The number of the most severe cases also increased by 10% within a year, the organization reported.



Source: AFP

UK to introduce groundbreaking laws against AI-generated child abuse images

Kathmandu: The Supreme Court (SC) has ordered the government to establish legal safeguards to protect individual data on national identity cards, aiming to prevent misuse of personal and biometric data while promoting governance and service delivery reforms.



In a ruling on a case concerning the national identity card, the full bench of Chief Justice Prakash Man Singh Raut and Justices Abdul Aziz Musalman and Nripa Dhwoj Niraula instructed the government to secure citizens' details and create the necessary laws. The SC emphasized, “To guarantee the protection of information with electronic records, the government must implement more reliable legal, policy, structural, and managerial arrangements.”



The SC released the full text of its January 19 ruling on Friday. The case originated from a writ petition filed by Advocate Ram Bahadur Raut, who sought to annul the national identity card, arguing that the Constitution does not recognize it. The SC dismissed the petition, allowing the government to continue with the implementation of the national identity card system.



The court also instructed the government to enhance public awareness regarding the identity card process. It directed, “Reach the points near citizens' residences, collect and distribute personal and biometric details based on Nepali citizenship as soon as possible.” Furthermore, it urged authorities to eliminate obstacles that prevent citizens from accessing public services due to the lack of a national identity card.



The SC ordered agencies responsible for public services to set up sufficient collection and distribution stations to ease the process. It also warned against unauthorized access or misuse of data, advising agencies to maintain scientific record-keeping to ensure security.



Additionally, the court directed agencies to conduct security audits of systems using the national identity card number for services and to develop necessary policies and legal frameworks to ensure confidentiality and protection of electronic records.



Currently, the government is implementing the national identity card through policy decisions, infrastructure development, and financial investments. The SC clarified that while the identity card is crucial for streamlining public services, it cannot replace the citizenship certificate, which is tied to nationality.



The court emphasized that all Nepali citizens should have easy access to the national identity card and should not be denied government services due to its absence. Vulnerable groups, including children, disabled individuals, senior citizens over 90, and those unable to care for themselves, will continue receiving social security and other essential services even without the card.



Since its launch in 2018, 16.1 million citizens have received their national identity numbers. The government has been collecting identity card details from 653 units nationwide, though the SC noted that coverage remains insufficient relative to the total population. The national identity card, which contains an electronic chip, is designed to store citizenship details.



The Ministry of Home Affairs issued a notice on June 24, 2024, to enforce constitutional guidelines and the National Identity Card and Registration Act, 2019. A writ petition challenged this notice, but the Ministry argued in its response that the notice could not be annulled as long as the Act remains in force.



The government has mandated the national identity card number for services such as opening bank accounts, social security benefits, pensions, and passports. However, many citizens have yet to receive their identity cards, and the SC acknowledged the challenges faced by those unable to access essential services despite holding citizenship certificates.

SC directs government to safeguard NID Data

Kathmandu: Nepal's first-ever inter-school hackathon, Hack-अ-Thon, has commenced in Kathmandu, bringing together 235 students from 33 schools to tackle educational challenges under the theme "The Future of Learning." The event is organized by Adhyayan School and Leapfrog Technology, in collaboration with Code for Nepal and Veda.



Spanning from January 26 to February 19, 2025, the hackathon consists of four phases: orientation, boot camp, mentorship, and Demo Day. The orientation session was held on January 26 at Leapfrog Technology, marking the official launch of the competition.



Students from grades 7 to 10 will use Scratch and Python to develop innovative solutions addressing issues in education, health, and society. They will receive guidance from 32 expert mentors throughout the process.



On the final day, the top seven teams will present their projects at Rastriya Nach Ghar, where the winners will be awarded cash prizes of Rs. 1,00,000, Rs. 75,000, and Rs. 50,000 for first, second, and third places, respectively.



More than just a competition, Hack-अ-Thon aims to foster creativity, problem-solving, and social responsibility, shaping the next generation of tech leaders in Nepal.

Nepal’s first inter-school hackathon kicks off in Kathmandu

Kathmandu: OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, has raised concerns that competitors, including Chinese firms, are using its work to rapidly develop their own artificial intelligence (AI) tools.



This comes after the sudden rise of DeepSeek, a Chinese AI app that reportedly performs at a level similar to ChatGPT but at a much lower cost. Bloomberg has reported that Microsoft, a major investor in OpenAI, is investigating whether OpenAI’s data has been misused.



David Sacks, the recently appointed White House "AI and crypto czar," suggested on Fox News that DeepSeek may have used OpenAI’s models to improve its own through a technique called "knowledge distillation." OpenAI, in a statement, claimed that Chinese and other companies were "constantly trying to distill" the work of leading US AI firms.



Experts remain skeptical about DeepSeek's claims of developing its model from scratch. Naomi Haefner, a professor of technology management, stated that if DeepSeek had used OpenAI’s data, its claims of low-cost training would be misleading. Crystal van Oosterom, an AI expert, acknowledged that DeepSeek has built upon publicly available research from Western institutions but noted that AI development often involves building on existing work.



Security Concerns and US Response



The US government is also assessing the national security risks associated with DeepSeek. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that the National Security Council is looking into potential threats. Meanwhile, the US Navy has reportedly banned its members from using DeepSeek due to "security and ethical concerns."



Adding to the controversy, DeepSeek claims it has been targeted by cyberattacks and has temporarily limited new user registrations. A notice on its website suggests ongoing large-scale attacks on its software.



With concerns over data safety and intellectual property rights growing, the debate over AI ethics and security is likely to intensify in the coming months. Source: BBC

OpenAI accuses rivals, including China’s DeepSeek, of copying its AI models

Kathmandu: In the last fiscal year 2023/24, 18 major social media and tech companies paid Rs 415 million in taxes to the Nepal government.



These companies include Meta (Facebook and Instagram), Google, Microsoft, TikTok, Adobe, Netflix, Amazon, and Apple. They earned Rs 2.76 billion by providing electronic services in Nepal.



According to the Large Taxpayer Office, a part of this revenue was paid as tax to the government.

Big tech companies pay Rs 415 mn in taxes to Nepal

Kathmandu: The National Cyber Security Center has issued a cybersecurity advisory aimed at safeguarding government offices and employees from potential cyber threats. The advisory, released on January 22, outlines 21 key measures, including regular website updates, password changes, antivirus updates, and network security.



The advisory emphasizes regular updates to government websites and applications and urges offices to address any issues promptly. It also highlights the importance of taking frequent backups of data and implementing a business continuity plan to ensure minimal disruption during cyber incidents.



Employees have been instructed to use strong, hard-to-guess passwords and update them every three months. The use of personal information such as birth dates or phone numbers as passwords is discouraged.



For device and network security, the advisory recommends regular updates of antivirus software, operating systems, and security devices. It strictly prohibits downloading or playing games on office computers to maintain system integrity.



On email security, the advisory advises employees to report and delete suspicious emails immediately and refrain from sharing sensitive information such as passwords, OTPs, and banking details through email or phone.



Regarding social media, the guidelines caution against oversharing personal information and urge users to verify friend requests and avoid clicking on unverified links.



The advisory also addresses mobile security, urging employees to verify app authenticity before downloading, review app permissions, and keep operating systems updated. It further recommends storing mobile IMEI numbers securely for recovery purposes in case of loss or theft.



In addition to digital measures, the advisory calls for physical security enhancements, including installing strong doors and CCTV cameras in areas where sensitive data is stored. Offices are also required to conduct annual audits of their internal systems and enable two-factor authentication for added security.



The National Cyber Security Center believes this comprehensive advisory will help protect government IT systems and mitigate potential cyber threats effectively.

Cybersecurity advisory issued for government offices and employees in Nepal

Kathmandu: The Nepali Embassy in Berlin has raised alarm over an increase in fraudulent employment schemes targeting Nepali citizens in Europe.



In a notice issued on Friday, the embassy cautioned Nepalis to remain vigilant, highlighting cases of workers in Romania, Croatia, and Malta being trafficked illegally to Poland and Bulgaria under the pretense of lucrative job opportunities.



The embassy expressed concern about the role of social media platforms, such as TikTok and Facebook, in disseminating false information and luring unsuspecting individuals.



Nepalis with valid work permits were advised to strictly adhere to the terms of their authorization and work only in the designated country. The embassy also urged individuals to avoid engaging in illegal activities and encouraged victims to report such incidents with concrete evidence.



This warning underscores the growing need for awareness among Nepali workers abroad and stricter enforcement to combat trafficking and fraud in European labor markets.

Nepal Embassy in Berlin warns of rising fraudulent job offers in Europe

Kathmandu: TikTok, the popular short-video platform, has been shut down in the United States following the enforcement of the "Ban or Divest Law" passed last year. The platform was officially blocked from Sunday onward, marking a significant move in the tech world.



TikTok has been removed from both Apple’s and Google’s app stores in the U.S. Additionally, notices have started appearing on TikTok’s website, indicating the service is no longer accessible via the web.



Users attempting to open the app are unable to view videos, leaving many of the platform’s 170 million American users in limbo. This marks the first instance of such a large-scale shutdown of a globally popular app in the U.S. While temporary outages are common across social media, TikTok's ban sets a precedent.



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The Biden administration has stated that it handed over the responsibility of implementing the law to the Trump administration. TikTok has been required to cease operations in the U.S. until ByteDance, its parent company, provides a clear assurance of compliance with the law.



An internal email from TikTok indicated optimism about the app’s potential reinstatement after President Trump officially assumes office on January 20.



On Saturday night, TikTok and its video editing app, CapCut, began notifying users about the upcoming restrictions.



The shutdown has left millions of American TikTok users frustrated, with its future in the country hanging in the balance.

TikTok shuts down in the U.S.

Kathmandu: As the potential ban on TikTok looms in the United States, users are migrating en masse to RedNote, a Chinese social media app popular among Mandarin-speaking audiences. Dubbed "TikTok refugees," this exodus has propelled RedNote to the top of Apple's US App Store, making it the most downloaded app on Monday.



RedNote, known in China as Xiaohongshu or "Little Red Book," combines elements of TikTok and Instagram, focusing on lifestyle tips and urban trends. With 300 million monthly users, it caters primarily to young, urban women sharing advice on fashion, dating, and travel.



The shift follows a Supreme Court deadline of January 19, requiring TikTok to sell its US operations or face a ban. TikTok has opposed the move, citing free speech concerns for its 170 million US users.



US users migrating to RedNote have embraced the platform despite potential challenges, including navigating its Mandarin interface and security concerns linked to Chinese software. Posts under the hashtag "TikTok refugee" have garnered over 63,000 discussions, with newcomers exchanging tips on using the app and basic Chinese phrases.



Some, like Utah school canteen worker Sarah Fotheringham, view the switch as a subtle protest against government intervention. "If China wants my data that badly, they can have it," she quipped. Fashion designer Marcus Robinson from Virginia sees the platform as an opportunity to expand his brand and stay ahead of trends, although he expressed concerns over accepting terms and conditions he couldn’t read.



Despite welcoming the influx of US users, RedNote has faced scrutiny for alleged censorship, particularly concerning criticism of the Chinese government. Similar to TikTok, it has been flagged in places like Taiwan, where officials are restricted from using it due to security risks.



For many, the appeal of RedNote lies in its community and cultural exchange. Tennessee tech worker Sydney Crawley gained over 6,000 followers within a day of joining and plans to maintain her new platform, regardless of TikTok's fate.



"I’m discovering so much about Chinese culture and daily life," said Fotheringham. "It’s been fascinating and so much fun."



With TikTok’s future in the balance, RedNote has emerged as a surprising alternative, offering US users a fresh start and a global connection in the ever-changing world of social media.



Source: BBC

US TikTok users flock to Chinese app RedNote amid looming ban

Kathmandu: Chinese car maker BYD saw its sales jump at the end of last year, as it competes with Tesla to be the world's best-selling electric vehicle (EV) maker of 2024. The company says it sold 207,734 EVs in December, taking its annual total to 1.76 million, as subsidies and discounts helped attract customers.



It comes as Tesla is due to announce its own quarterly sales figures later on Thursday. The US electric car maker maintained a slim lead in EV sales over BYD in the previous quarter but the Shenzhen-based firm has been narrowing the gap. BYD's total vehicle sales jumped more than 41% in 2024, year-on-year. The surge was powered mainly by sales of its hybrid cars.



The company has benefited from a rise in car sales in its home market, as intense competition drove down prices and government subsidies encouraged consumers to replace their old cars with EVs or other more fuel efficient options. BYD sells 90% of its cars in China, where its been extending its lead over foreign brands like Volkswagen and Toyota.



The rise of BYD and other Chinese EV makers contrasts with the challenges faced by some legacy car makers, which have been struggling in major Western markets. Last month, Honda and Nissan confirmed that they were holding merger talks, as the two Japanese firms seek to fight back against competition from the Chinese car industry. Also in December, Volkswagen announced it had reached a deal with the IG Metall trade union which will avert plant closures in Germany and avoid immediate compulsory redundancies.



The German motor industry giant had previously warned it might have to shutter plants in the country for the first time in a bid to cut costs. Earlier in the month, the boss of car making giant Stellantis, Carlos Tavares, quit with immediate effect following a boardroom clash.



His abrupt exit from the company - which owns brands including Vauxhall, Jeep, Fiat, Peugeot and Chrysler - came two months after Stellantis issued a profit warning. In the third quarter of 2024, BYD saw its revenues soar, beating Tesla's for the first time.



It posted more than 200bn yuan ($28.2bn, £21.8bn) in revenues between July and September - a 24% jump from the same period last year, and more than Elon Musk's company whose quarterly revenue was $25.2bn. However, Tesla still sold more electric vehicle (EVs) than BYD. Chinese car makers have been trying to boost sales of their EVs outside the country but have faced pushback in some major markets.



In October, European Union tariffs of up to 45.3% on imports of Chinese-made EVs came into force across the bloc. The US has also imposed a 100% duty on EVs from China and President-elect Donald Trump is expected to impose further tariffs on imports. Meanwhile, BYD has been expanding its foothold in emerging economies.



Last month, it faced a setback in Brazil - its largest overseas market - with authorities halting the construction of a BYD factory, saying workers lived in conditions comparable to "slavery". BYD said it had cut ties with the construction firm involved and remained committed to a "full compliance with Brazilian legislation".



Source: BBC

China's BYD closes in on Tesla as sales jump

Kathmandu: A parliamentary committee has unanimously approved an amendment to the Prevention of Corruption Act-2059, significantly enhancing the investigative authority of the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA).



The State Affairs and Good Governance Committee passed the bill on Thursday, introducing provisions that will allow the CIAA to access telephone records of individuals under investigation with court approval. This includes intercepting calls or requesting data from relevant institutions to aid investigations.



The amendment also grants the CIAA five additional methods for conducting inquiries: controlled investigations (controlled delivery), undercover operations, telephone or media interception with judicial consent, access to electronic device systems, and continuous surveillance of suspects to gather evidence.



If the bill is approved by the full parliament, these expanded powers are expected to bolster the CIAA’s efforts in combating corruption across the country.

CIAA to access call records for corruption investigations

Kathmandu: President-elect Donald Trump on Friday requested the U.S. Supreme Court to halt the potential ban on TikTok until his administration can pursue a "political resolution" to the matter.



The request coincides with opposing briefs filed by TikTok and the Biden administration. TikTok argued that the court should overturn the law, which could force the platform's divestment or ban by January 19, 2025, while the Biden administration emphasized the statute's necessity to address national security risks.



"President Trump takes no position on the underlying merits of this dispute. Instead, he respectfully requests that the Court consider staying the Act’s deadline…while it considers the merits of this case," stated Trump’s amicus brief, authored by D. John Sauer, his pick for solicitor general.



This move underscores Trump’s growing influence on national issues before taking office. The president-elect has actively engaged in federal negotiations, international trade discussions, and meetings with foreign and business leaders at his Mar-a-Lago resort, including TikTok CEO Shou Chew.



Trump, who had sought to ban TikTok during his first term over security concerns, reversed his stance during his 2024 campaign, using the platform to connect with younger voters. Despite joining TikTok, Trump maintains concerns about its security risks but opposes an outright ban.



The dispute stems from a law signed by President Joe Biden in April, requiring TikTok to divest from its China-based parent company, ByteDance, or face a ban. TikTok and ByteDance challenged the law, arguing it violates the First Amendment.



Earlier this month, the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the statute, prompting TikTok to appeal to the Supreme Court. TikTok's brief argued that the lower court based its ruling on speculative risks rather than evidence, emphasizing that the U.S. government has no proof of Chinese interference through the platform.



In contrast, the Biden administration maintains that TikTok's corporate ties to ByteDance and its reliance on Chinese-developed infrastructure pose national security risks, even as it acknowledges no evidence of misuse to date.



Oral arguments on the matter are scheduled for January 10. Trump’s brief indicated his desire to address the issue through diplomatic channels once in office.



Source: AP

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