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Asia News Network
21-07-2025
- Business
- Asia News Network
Unregistered online sellers now illegal in Nepal under new e-commerce law
July 21, 2025 KATHMANDU – Starting Sunday, all unregistered online sellers in Nepal—those using platforms like Facebook, TikTok, or Instagram to sell products or services—are now considered illegal. This also applies to international e-commerce companies such as Amazon, which have not registered or set up a local office or representative in Nepal, officials said. The Department of Commerce, Supplies, and Consumer Protection said the rule does not affect newly established online businesses. New sellers created after July 18 can still register with the department. As of Friday—the final deadline under the new E-commerce Act, 2025—only 950 e-commerce businesses across the country had registered, despite the department expecting hundreds more based on the volume of ongoing digital transactions. The E-commerce Act, which came into effect on April 15, gave online businesses three months to comply with the mandatory registration requirement. 'According to the new law, all online sellers must register with us. If we find any company selling goods or services online through social media or other platforms without registration, they will face fines,' said Achyut Raj Regmi, director at the department. Unregistered operators can be fined up to Rs200,000. The law covers all types of online sales, including those made through Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, WhatsApp, and similar platforms. On July 2, the department issued a public notice urging all digital sellers to register by July 18. Notably, the law also applies to foreign e-commerce platforms. Any international company selling goods to Nepali consumers must establish a local office or appoint an official representative. However, the department confirmed that no international e-commerce platform had registered by the deadline. This technically renders purchases from Amazon and similar platforms illegal under the new law. 'The law has been introduced to ensure all e-commerce businesses, domestic and international, operate under regulatory oversight,' said Bharat Prasad Acharya, another department director. 'Any platform found conducting business without registration will face action.' If a Nepali consumer places an order from a foreign site that has not registered, authorities say they will investigate if a complaint is filed. 'These companies are also subject to Nepali tax laws,' said Acharya. Nepal's e-commerce market has seen exponential growth, with transactions estimated in the billions of rupees. Much of this surge is driven by informal sellers using social media platforms. Yet, many continue to operate without registration, beyond the scope of taxation and consumer protection laws. The new law marks Nepal's first serious attempt to regulate its digital marketplace, which has been plagued by increasing cases of fraud and unethical conduct due to the lack of formal oversight. Under the new rules, even individual sellers on social media must register by submitting their business details online. This includes platform name, business registration number, office address, and the name of the registered business entity. Sellers must also clarify whether their model is platform-based or listing-based and designate a contact person to handle consumer complaints. To operate legally, each e-commerce platform must set up a proper mechanism to receive and resolve customer grievances. The law defines e-commerce as the buying and selling of goods and services via digital platforms, but it excludes sites that advertise or promote products without conducting transactions. Intermediary platforms—those that connect buyers and sellers without directly selling—must also sign formal contracts with their vendors. These agreements must be in both written and digital forms. The act further encourages small-scale and cottage industries to engage in online selling, aiming to broaden digital participation across sectors. To improve transparency, online businesses are required to update product details such as pricing, availability, or specifications within 24 to 48 hours of any changes. The law also strengthens consumer refund rights. If the product or service delivered differs from what was advertised—in design, image, weight, warranty terms, or country of origin—the buyer is entitled to a full refund. Sellers cannot deny refunds for defective, delayed, or misrepresented goods or services.
Politico
09-06-2025
- Politics
- Politico
Trump's cyber EO kills Biden-era digital ID policies
With help from John Sakellariadis and Maggie Miller Driving the day — A new cyber directive from the Trump administration takes aim at a Biden-era order that would've strengthened the country's digital identity infrastructure. Experts say this could leave the U.S. more vulnerable to increased fraud and cybercrime. HAPPY MONDAY, and welcome to MORNING CYBERSECURITY! I hope everybody had a very nice weekend! I'm glad I was able to soak up the sun ahead of the next few days of rainy weather. Follow POLITICO's cybersecurity team on X at @RosiePerper, @johnnysaks130, @delizanickel and @magmill95, or reach out via email or text for tips. You can also follow @POLITICOPro on X. Want to receive this newsletter every weekday? Subscribe to POLITICO Pro. You'll also receive daily policy news and other intelligence you need to act on the day's biggest stories. Today's Agenda The Federal Communications Bar Association holds a virtual Privacy and Consumer Protection symposium on 'The Shifting Privacy and Consumer Protection Landscape.' Noon. The House Appropriations Homeland Security Subcommittee holds a markup of the FY2026 Homeland Security bill. 6 p.m. Happening This Week On Tuesday — The House Intelligence Committee's Central Intelligence Agency Subcommittee holds a hearing on CIA's fiscal year 2026. 10 a.m. On Thursday — The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee holds a markup vote on nominations, including Sean Cairncross to be White House national cyber director and Sean Plankey to be director of CISA. 10 a.m. At the White House NEW CYBER EO — A new cyber executive order signed by the Trump administration on Friday targets 'problematic elements' of two cybersecurity directives by previous administrations, including the removal of a Biden-era order focused on digital identity measures to combat fraud and cybercrime. According to a fact sheet released along with the order, the order would undo portions of previous cyber directives — one signed by former President Barack Obama in 2015 and another signed by former President Joe Biden just before he left office in January. The action includes proposed changes to Biden's executive order on digital identity documents, which experts say is a step in the wrong direction. The U.S. needs to strengthen its online identity security efforts to prevent fraud and cyberattacks by state-sponsored hacking groups, according to Jeremy Grant, a former NIST cyber official and coordinator at Better Identity Coalition. 'Chinese state-sponsored attackers have stolen billions through identity-centric attacks,' he added. — Out with the old: Biden's January executive order established a pathway for the federal government to issue digital identification documents, including mobile driver's licenses, to access public benefits. It also detailed how state and federal governments could implement those changes. Grant told MC that the digital ID components were viewed by the cybersecurity sector as 'common-sense, modest measures' that would improve the security of identity systems that are used to protect much of Americans' information in cyberspace. 'There was some optimism … that when the EO came out, it was at least the initial kernel of a strategy to address deficiencies in digital identity infrastructure.' President Donald Trump's Friday night order eliminated the digital ID elements from Biden's directive, calling it a 'mandate for U.S. government-issued digital IDs for illegal aliens that would have facilitated entitlement fraud and other abuse.' But Biden's order did not mandate that the government issue digital identity documents, Grant clarified, despite Trump's claims. — National security concerns: Trump's order revoking the digital ID framework also doesn't offer any replacement measures, which experts say could leave Americans more vulnerable. There have been increased reports of state-sponsored hackers using stolen identities and deepfakes to gain access to critical networks — including North Korean operatives using spoofed identities to infiltrate U.S. tech companies and funnel money to the regime's nuclear program. 'When you look every year at why bad things happen in cyberspace and how, some sort of compromise to identity is at the root of almost every major breach, and is really fueling a lot of cybercrime that we see today,' Grant said. He added that without clear guidelines in place for a secure system to develop and issue digital IDs, similar instances of fraud against U.S. critical infrastructure and the private sector are likely to continue. Mark Montgomery, senior director of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies' Center on Cyber and Technology Innovation, told your host that the digital ID elements of Trump's order are focused on immigration when it should be looking at Chinese companies 'rapidly taking over this industry globally.' China is 'actually providing digital ID services for U.S. state and local governments and law enforcement,' he added. — What comes next: Trump's pick for White House national cyber director, Sean Cairncross, is scheduled to have a confirmation vote in the Senate on Thursday. In a hearing last week, Cairncross testified that his office would take the lead on cyber policy in the U.S., and he promised to surround himself with 'smart people' to enact effective cyber policy. Experts say it's likely that the discussion on digital identification will be revisited once Cairncross is confirmed. 'I think the national cyber director will lead a broad review of how to better secure U.S. national critical infrastructure and the issue of improving public-private collaboration to improve security,' Montgomery told your host. 'Digital ID services will inevitably be part of that.' On The Hill FIRST IN MC: AI HEARING ON THE DOCKET — The House Homeland Security Committee's cyber panel will hold a hearing this week on efforts to implement artificial intelligence to strengthen the nation's cybersecurity defenses. The hearing, scheduled for Thursday, will include witnesses from Microsoft, as well as cybersecurity firms Trellix, Cranium and Securin. 'Whether it is machine learning, generative AI, or now agentic AI — AI is evolving rapidly and must be developed with secure by design principles in mind so we can harness its full potential,' subcommittee Chair Andrew Garbarino (R-N.Y.) said in a statement. — What's next: The cyber sector has long warned of hackers using AI to enhance cybercrime. Most recently, a cybercriminal used AI-generated deepfakes to impersonate White House chief of staff Susie Wiles. 'While the advancement of artificial intelligence could provide new tools to America's adversaries and cybercriminals, AI can also be a tool to enhance our nation's detection and defense against threats to our networks,' Garbarino said in a statement. VOTES INCOMING — In addition to Cairncross, the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee will hold a markup this week for a confirmation vote on Trump's other top cyber pick, Sean Plankey, to lead CISA. Plankey, a first-term Trump administration cyber alum, was also supposed to testify at the hearing but was removed from the schedule over missing paperwork. Both nominees have received support from government officials and the private sector. Plankey is expected to glide through his nomination hearing and vote, but lawmakers told your host last week that the committee should not vote on Plankey's nomination before he has a chance to testify in an official hearing — which may not happen. The International Scene 'TREASURY' OF SECRETS — Iran's intelligence minister claimed on Sunday, without any evidence, that Tehran has gathered an 'important treasury' of information on Israel's nuclear program. Per the Associated Press, Esmail Khatib said members of Iran's Intelligence Ministry obtained 'strategic, operational and scientific intelligence' on the Israeli government, and that it was 'transferred into the country with God's help.' Khatib's remarks come after Iranian state television claimed on Saturday, also without any evidence, that Iranian intelligence officials had seized sensitive documents. Israel has not yet acknowledged any Iranian operation, though Israelis have been arrested for allegedly spying for Iran during Israel's war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. People on the Move Hilco Global has hired former Rep. Patrick Murphy and Alexander Niejelow, former director for cybersecurity policy on Obama's National Security Council. Quick Bytes WECHAT — Russian counterintelligence is examining data from a popular Chinese social media app to track people who might be in contact with Chinese spies, Aaron Krolik and Paul Sonne report for The New York Times. MAKING IT WORSE? — Misha Glenny writes for the Financial Times that AI progress could be turbocharging cybercrime. INVITED IN — The Department of Government Efficiency can have unimpeded access to the sensitive Social Security data of millions of Americans, the Supreme Court ruled Friday, writes POLITICO's Josh Gerstein. Chat soon. Stay in touch with the whole team: Rosie Perper (rperper@ John Sakellariadis (jsakellariadis@ Maggie Miller (mmiller@ and Dana Nickel (dnickel@
Time of India
30-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Over 81L ration-card holding families to get 3 mnths' worth of rice at ‘Rice Festival'
Raipur: Chhattisgarh govt will organize 'Chawal Utsav' (Rice Festival) from June 1 to June 7 and during the week-long event, over 81 lakh ration card-holding families will receive three months' worth of rice — for June, July, and Aug — in one go. The initiative, led by the Department of Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Protection, aims to streamline food distribution and enhance accessibility, particularly in remote and rural areas, ahead of the monsoon season. To facilitate this mega distribution, state govt has already allotted rice to 13,928 fair price shops across the state. These shops are currently stocking up rice to ensure uninterrupted and timely distribution during the Rice Festival. Officials confirmed that storage operations are in full swing. In anticipation of monsoon-related inaccessibility, the govt has made special preparations for 249 fair price shops that typically become unreachable during the rainy season. These shops will receive advance storage of rice within June itself to maintain consistent supply through the monsoon. As per departmental instructions, every shop will publicly display distribution information, and e-PoS machines will be used to ensure biometric authentication of beneficiaries. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Doutora: bolsas nos olhos sem cirurgia (em qualquer idade) Revista Saúde & Beleza Saiba Mais Undo A printed receipt will be mandatorily provided to every recipient, ensuring transparency and accountability. All district collectors have been instructed to conduct wide publicity campaigns to ensure that no eligible beneficiary misses the distribution. The rice distribution will also be carried out under the supervision of shop-level monitoring committees, further strengthening the checks and balances. High-Level Preparations Reviewed On May 28, Food Secretary Reena Babasaheb Kangale chaired a video conference with all district collectors, food officers, and Chhattisgarh State Civil Supplies Corporation managers to review preparations. She emphasized the importance of timely storage and the effective use of technology to maintain transparency, accountability, and convenience for beneficiaries. The meeting also saw the participation of Kiran Kaushal, Managing Director of the Civil Supplies Corporation, and Ramesh Sharma, Director of the Food Department, along with key officials from all districts. GFX RICE FESTIVAL Starts from June 1 Ends on June 7 Aim of initiative To streamline food distribution and enhance accessibility, in remote and rural areas, ahead of monsoon season Preparations by State govt Allotted rice to 13,928 fair price shops across the state Special preparations for 249 fair price shops These shops will receive advance storage of rice within June itself to maintain consistent supply through the monsoon Every shop will publicly display distribution information, and e-PoS machines will be used to ensure biometric authentication of beneficiaries A printed receipt to be given to every recipient Raipur: Chhattisgarh govt will organize 'Chawal Utsav' (Rice Festival) from June 1 to June 7 and during the week-long event, over 81 lakh ration card-holding families will receive three months' worth of rice — for June, July, and Aug — in one go. The initiative, led by the Department of Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Protection, aims to streamline food distribution and enhance accessibility, particularly in remote and rural areas, ahead of the monsoon season. To facilitate this mega distribution, state govt has already allotted rice to 13,928 fair price shops across the state. These shops are currently stocking up rice to ensure uninterrupted and timely distribution during the Rice Festival. Officials confirmed that storage operations are in full swing. In anticipation of monsoon-related inaccessibility, the govt has made special preparations for 249 fair price shops that typically become unreachable during the rainy season. These shops will receive advance storage of rice within June itself to maintain consistent supply through the monsoon. As per departmental instructions, every shop will publicly display distribution information, and e-PoS machines will be used to ensure biometric authentication of beneficiaries. A printed receipt will be mandatorily provided to every recipient, ensuring transparency and accountability. All district collectors have been instructed to conduct wide publicity campaigns to ensure that no eligible beneficiary misses the distribution. The rice distribution will also be carried out under the supervision of shop-level monitoring committees, further strengthening the checks and balances. High-Level Preparations Reviewed On May 28, Food Secretary Reena Babasaheb Kangale chaired a video conference with all district collectors, food officers, and Chhattisgarh State Civil Supplies Corporation managers to review preparations. She emphasized the importance of timely storage and the effective use of technology to maintain transparency, accountability, and convenience for beneficiaries. The meeting also saw the participation of Kiran Kaushal, Managing Director of the Civil Supplies Corporation, and Ramesh Sharma, Director of the Food Department, along with key officials from all districts. GFX RICE FESTIVAL Starts from June 1 Ends on June 7 Aim of initiative To streamline food distribution and enhance accessibility, in remote and rural areas, ahead of monsoon season Preparations by State govt Allotted rice to 13,928 fair price shops across the state Special preparations for 249 fair price shops These shops will receive advance storage of rice within June itself to maintain consistent supply through the monsoon Every shop will publicly display distribution information, and e-PoS machines will be used to ensure biometric authentication of beneficiaries A printed receipt to be given to every recipient
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
‘Common sense': Oregon House considers bill to make wheelchair repairs much easier
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – The Oregon House Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection is taking up a bill aimed at making it easier to fix wheelchairs for those who rely on them. The current system forces people to contact their Assistive Technology Professional, occupational therapist, or physical therapist in order to get permission to fix their chair. 'Completely ghosted us': PNW customers detail financial losses, unfinished jobs tied to local contractor This means that when a wheelchair breaks in Oregon, the user has to go through a lengthy process to get it repaired, and that can leave users stranded or bedridden for weeks at a time. Activists like West Livaudais, the executive director of , say would change that. 'And what this bill would allow us to do is have access to third-party providers that have the parts, have the knowledge and the tools to fix our chairs or we ourselves could do that and not have to wait weeks or months to get simple repairs,' Livaudais said. Oregon man imprisoned for killing goat with 'no remorse' Under SB 550, customers and independent shops would get the same access to repair resources as authorized repair shops. 'It's common sense and it sends the power back to Oregonians who depend on wheelchairs and other mobility devices,' Sen. Janeen Sollman (D-Washington County) said in an earlier statement. 'I don't want anyone waiting weeks or months for equipment to be fixed, or spending way more than necessary on a repair that could be done at home or at a local shop.' The bill was introduced and in February. If it passes the House, it will head the Gov. Tina Kotek's desk. Stay with KOIN 6 News as we continue to follow this story. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
