Nepal’s Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli on Thursday underscored the importance of international collaboration in the digital age, emphasising that effectively tackling crime requires collective efforts across nations. Inaugurating an international conference on digital crime organised by the Office of the Attorney General, Oli said, “Crime control is not effective with the lone efforts of any one country.”
The prime minister emphasised that the availability of electronic technology for crime investigation would enhance international cooperation, particularly in controlling various types of crimes.
Oli stated that controlling crime has become challenging for a civilised society due to the misuse of science and technology, which provide convenience and make people’s lives easier and more comfortable. However, he emphasised that the government’s stance is clear that all individuals are entitled to the benefits of a democracy.
Clarifying that the government would not bring any law that would curtail the right to use social media, the prime minister said that “necessary amendments would be made after reviewing the Constitution in the event 10 years of its implementation.”
“The 20th century has given new inventions. But it has also been often misused. Organised efforts have been made in committing crimes,” he said.
“We should use AI and digital technology to create a situation where crimes cannot be committed, and even if a crime is committed, we should be able to conduct an impartial investigation and ensure justice,” he added.
Noting that digital technology is not only used for positive purposes but is also misused in criminal activities, he stated that conferences like this would play a crucial role in combating crime and ensuring effective justice.
The prime minister asserted that digital technology should be used for human happiness and prosperity. “The government has brought the laws for controlling indecency that brings anomaly in the society in the name of exercising rights.”
“Good governance and exercise of social and economic rights of the people are necessary to achieve the national goal of ‘Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali’,” Oli said. He, however, stressed that none of these rights should be misused.
Speaking at the occasion, Attorney General Ramesh Badal said, “Digital use is on the rise among criminal cases and misuse of social media as well as digital fraud, financial crimes and data security are posing a big challenge.”