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When we talk about technology in the context of development, we often treat it as a tool that simply exists to make life more efficient. But I see technology as something that shapes our identities, influences our sense of agency and carries ethical responsibilities across generations. This is why we need to reframe ICT4D (Information and Communication Technology for Development) through an ethics-based lens—one that doesn’t just ask what technology can do, but who it serves, how it  empowers and whether it respects the people and cultures it touches. 

Technology isn’t something that arrives in a vacuum, rather it enters communities endowed with their own ways of understanding the world, their own traditions, identities and their own ethical frameworks. If we introduce technology without considering these dimensions, we risk erasing identities rather than strengthening them. According to Martin Heidegger, the essence of technology is not just about tools or instruments; it’s about how technology shapes the way we see and interact with the world. When technology is introduced into a community without awareness of this shift in perception, it can transform local cultures and identities into mere resources to be exploited rather than ways of life that deserve  respect and preservation. For ICT4D to be responsible, it must integrate into the ways of  communities, aligning with their values rather than imposing external ones. 

I have seen  instances where digital tools were designed with good intentions but ended up disrupting  local practices because they failed to acknowledge the social and ethical realities of the  people using them. 

Agency is at the heart of ethical technology use. People should not just be passive  recipients of digital solutions; they should have the power to shape, adapt and use  technology in ways that enhance their lives. Too often, ICT4D projects are rolled out with a top-down approach, where decisions are made by outsiders who assume they know what’s best for the rest. But when people are involved in designing and implementing technology—when they  have ownership over it—it transforms from an external intervention into a meaningful part  of their lives. This isn’t just about usability; it’s about empowerment. It’s about ensuring that communities are not just given tools but also the knowledge, skills and autonomy to decide how those tools should work for them. This perspective aligns with Amartya Sen’s emphasis on agency in development. 

Intergenerational justice, a concept explored by Hans Jonas, is another crucial dimension  that is often overlooked in ICT4D. When we introduce technology, we aren’t just shaping the present; we are making choices that will impact future generations. If we don’t think carefully about the ethical implications of technology, we risk creating dependencies, eroding cultural knowledge or deepening inequalities. Sustainable technology isn’t just about function or economic efficiency; it’s about ensuring that the benefits of today’s  innovations don’t come at the cost of future resilience. 

Environmental sustainability must also be central to ethical ICT4D. As Fritjof Capra  emphasizes in his work on systems thinking, nature operates through interconnected and  self-sustaining networks. Technology should follow these principles, supporting rather than disrupting ecological balance. Too often, technological advancements come at the cost of  ecological health, depleting natural resources and contributing to environmental degradation. If we are to create truly sustainable solutions, we must embrace a philosophy  that respects and aligns with the natural world rather than exploiting it. This means developing digital infrastructures that minimize environmental impact, encouraging circular economies in technology use and integrating local ecological knowledge into digital innovations. Ethical ICT4D must recognize that the well-being of communities is inseparable from the health of the environment that sustains them. 

An ethical ICT4D means recognizing that technology is never just a tool; it is always part of a larger social and ethical system. If we want it to truly serve communities, we need to ask deeper questions: Does this technology respect local identities? Does it enhance people’s agency rather than diminish it? Does it uphold justice not just for this generation, but for the ones that will follow? And does it honor the ecological systems that sustain life? These are the questions that should guide our approach. If we fail to ask them, we risk using technology as a force of disruption rather than as a means of meaningful progress.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi are likely to hold bilateral talks on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC summit, which is taking place in Thailand on April 3-4.

This will be the second meeting between Oli and Modi; the first meeting was held in September last year on the sidelines of the 76th General Assembly of the United Nations. Despite multiple requests, India is refusing to extend formal invitation to Oli for the official visit to New Delhi. According to government officials, the Oli-Modi meeting is expected to create a conducive environment for Oli’s India visit and Modi’s visit to Nepal. 

Minister for Foreign Affairs Arzu Rana Deuba has said more than once that Oil would soon receive the invitation from New Delhi for the bilateral visit. Presumably, the relationship between the two countries is not as it used to be after Nepal signed a framework agreement on Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The BRI and growing Chinese influence in Kathmandu is a cause of concern for us, says an Indian official requesting anonymity.

The summit was due to take place last year but was postponed in August, when Thailand was under a caretaker administration. The group’s meetings and summit will take place from April 2-4.  The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation, or BIMSTEC, includes Thailand, India, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bhutan and its leaders meet every two years for a summit. According to media reports, India has informed Thailand that Modi will travel to the country for the summit. As SAARC is completely dysfunctional, India is boosting BIMSTEC for regional cooperation, connectivity and security. 

Have you ever Googled yourself? If you haven’t, you might be shocked by the results that appear when you type your name into the search bar and hit “enter.” This was the experience of Gonzalez, a Spanish national, who discovered news articles from 1998 about his past debt resurfacing online. Despite resolving the issue long ago, this outdated information continued to haunt him, popping up whenever someone searched for his name on the internet. It was as if this unwanted data had become a permanent tattoo he never consented to. Hence, in a world where digital footprints can linger indefinitely, one might wish for a genie to erase such burdensome pasts. In reality, however, that genie took the form of the ‘Right to be Forgotten,’ a legal concept established by the European Court of Justice which subsequently allowed Gonzalez to have his information erased from Google. 

The right to be forgotten empowers individuals to request the removal of outdated or irrelevant information from the internet search engine, allowing them to reclaim control over their digital image and identity. This right is typically granted when the information concerning the individual is considered inadequate, irrelevant, or no longer relevant. By enabling individuals to control the information about the past, this right allows an individual to erase or delete one’s digital footprint. Consequently, search engines like Google or Bing may be required to remove links to websites containing unwanted personal information from their search results.

The rapid advancement of digital technology has led to an exponential increase in the volume of data circulating on the internet. According to statistics from DataReportal, Nepal had approximately 15.4m internet users at the start of 2024. Likewise, the number of social media users stood at 13.5m, accounting for around 43.5 percent of the total population. As internet penetration continues to rise, more individuals will have their information exposed to the domain of the internet. It is the harsh reality that individuals have limited or no control over the information shared online, and once published, such data often attains a permanent status, making its removal nearly impossible. Moreover, with no restrictions on who can post content online, anonymous individuals can share information about others without their consent that will loom over the internet for ages thereby affecting the privacy rights of individuals in the digital space.

Legal scenario

In the context of Nepal, the individual right to privacy is guaranteed and protected under Article 28 of the Constitution. Building upon this constitutional foundation, the Individual Privacy Act of 2018 provides a comprehensive legal framework for safeguarding personal data and related information. This Act mandates that personal information cannot be collected without the explicit consent of the individual concerned and restricts the use of such data strictly to the purposes for which it was gathered. Additionally, the Muluki Criminal Code includes provisions aimed at protecting individual privacy.

Although the prevailing laws offer robust protections against unauthorized data collection and usage, they fall short of addressing the challenges posed by information already available in the public domain. The right to privacy ensures the confidentiality of personal data but does not extend to the removal or deletion of information that has already been disseminated in the public domain.

This lacuna in law can be addressed via the incorporation of the right to be forgotten which will allow the erasure of information already available in the public domain. Countries such as Spain, Germany, Argentina, South Korea, India, Switzerland, and the UK have already embraced this right, allowing individuals greater control over their digital information. As a result, major online platforms including Google, Yahoo, Bing, and Facebook have received thousands of takedown requests from individuals seeking to reclaim their online privacy.

Not an absolute right

It is crucial to recognize that the right to be forgotten is not an absolute right; it is subject to specific limitations and conditions. The European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) provides clear guidelines on when an individual may request the removal of their personal information. Article 17 of the GDPR outlines key circumstances under which this right can be exercised, such as when the data is no longer necessary, when consent is withdrawn, when the data has been unlawfully processed, or when there are no overriding legitimate grounds for retaining the information.

A blanket provision allowing unrestricted use of the right to be forgotten would be neither practical nor desirable. This right must be carefully balanced against freedom of expression and the right to information, as excessive enforcement could be misused to suppress critical discourse or erase public records of legitimate interest. The right to be forgotten, therefore, functions as a double-edged sword, while it safeguards individual privacy, it also has the potential to limit public access to essential information. Hence, striking the right balance is essential. The right to be forgotten should only be upheld in cases where an individual’s privacy rights outweigh the public interest in retaining access to the contested information.

Remedy through courts

In the Nepali context, a writ petition was filed by the authors before the Supreme Court of Nepal, seeking formal recognition of the right to be forgotten. Although the Court ultimately dismissed the petition, it issued a directional order during the final hearing, signaling the need for further legal deliberation on the matter. As the full text of the judgment is yet to be issued, its detailed reasoning and implications on the right to be forgotten remain to be seen; however, the decision is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of digital privacy rights in Nepal.

Rabindra Dhant was born and raised in Bajhang, a remote place in Sudurpaschim. From a young age, he wanted to be recognized and was driven by a strong desire to make a name for himself. Although his formal education ended after 10th grade, Dhant’s aspirations reached far beyond the classroom. He eventually made a pivotal decision to move to India in search of job opportunities, hoping to create a better life for himself.

While working in India, he noticed a Martial Arts (MA) gym on his daily commute. He was immediately drawn to it, and the idea of pursuing martial arts struck him deeply.  “ I was self-conscious about my height but I was determined,” he says. Dhant began learning more about martial arts and its various benefits, gradually realizing that it was not just about being physically strong but also about being mentally disciplined.

Soon, he decided to take part in a competition. In 2019, at just 18 years old, he competed and won in the MMA amateur National Championship in India. However, his opportunity to represent Nepal internationally was limited due to restrictions around his Nepali passport in India.

But he remained committed to his passion. He made the bold decision to pursue professional MMA, but found that opportunities were limited in India. After participating in three professional fights, he began to face pressure from his family who were unsure about his future in the sport. Despite their concerns, he chose to follow his dream.

He returned to Kathmandu and tried various avenues, including consulting for a visa, but found no clear path. Struggling financially and lacking economic support, Dhant felt torn between continuing his fighting career and securing a steady job. Nevertheless, he remained determined to keep pursuing his passion for MMA.

Upon his return to Kathmandu, he continued his search for a suitable gym for regular training and practice. He used to practise boxing in Satdobato, Latitpur. He connected with friends who practiced karate and was introduced to Pump Gym in Jhamsikhel, Lalitpur. Eventually, he met Diwiz Piya, a seasoned Muay Thai and Jiu Jitsu practitioner, who allowed Dhant to join the training sessions and participate in ground game competitions at Lock and Roll, a boxing gym in Patan, Lalitpur.

Dhant’s persistence paid off when he received an offer to fight in India once again, which he accepted. At this point, the MMA scene in Nepal began to gain momentum, with both striking and ground games becoming more popular. He continued his MMA training, now focused on both the striking and ground game aspects, dedicating himself to improving his skills.

After two years of intense training and competitive fights, Dhant’s story caught Sisan Baniya’s attention, who proposed making a documentary about his journey. The duo traveled to his village and shot footage for the project, but they decided to pause it as they felt the narrative needed to conclude with an international fight. Dhant’s dreams were closer to coming true.

In an unexpected twist of fate, Dhant found himself in Thailand, where he trained for a month. Thanks to his coach, Piya’s connections, he got a chance to fight in the One Championship League. He won the match. He then returned to Nepal but lost his next fight. He has also fought a Russian fighter in his first fight in One Championship with a technical knockout, marking the first time ever a Nepali has fought and won at that level.

Recalling his first experience, he shares that he initially competed in jiu-jitsu, where his nerves got the best of him. “I was so nervous that my legs felt heavy. As I climbed the stairs, the sound of my steps echoed loudly,” he says. “I didn’t even realize when I entered the cage.” However, in his first MMA fight, he learned to control his emotions. “I figured it out and managed to walk confidently onto the cage. I did my best in my MMA fight later,” he adds.

Dhant remained focused and trained rigorously, organizing the Nepal Warriors Championship (NWC) in Nepal with an Australian opponent, which he won. Now, with a strong team in Bali at the Soma Fight Club, Dhant is prepared for the next chapter in his MMA career. He credits the Nepali fighter Yuki Angdembe for his support and sponsorship along the way.

Over time, his family also came to accept and support his passion. Although they initially encouraged him to quit, they eventually saw the value in his dedication after his national victory. Today, his family is proud of his accomplishments and the path he has chosen.

MMA has become more than just a sport for Dhant; it is a passion that fuels him every day. “I used to be so tired after work but it never bothered me when I entered the gym. I was in love with MMA, and it gave me energy,” he says. The financial challenges were daunting, but his love for the sport pushed him. 

“At the beginning of my training, everything felt easy as I was highly motivated and eager to push myself. But, as I progressed, the intensity increased, making it much more challenging. Now, I have to train two to three times a day at a high level, constantly analyzing my opponents, keeping up with trends, and preparing for fights,” he says.He adds that at times, it’s tough to push himself, but he has learned to accept the pain as part of the process. Body aches have become normal, he says. 

MMA in Nepal is still in its early stages, but it has grown significantly in just two years. Previously, two organizations used to host amateur fights, but they shut down due to a lack of awareness. Back then, no one even knew about NWC, but today, we see more fighters rising and following their passion. NWC is continuously improving, offering players better opportunities, sponsorships, and support, despite some financial challenges. 

“Many people are surprised when they learn about the resources and facilities available at NWC. While sports like football and cricket dominate in terms of popularity, MMA is rapidly gaining recognition, and the crowd has developed a strong love for the sport,” says Dhant. 

Injuries are inevitable in sport but whether a fight continues after an injury depends on both the player and the doctor. “In small leagues, we have to bear the medical expenses ourselves, but in grand leagues, the company and sponsors take care of it,” he says. However, he emphasized that fighters are more likely to get injured during training than in actual fights. 

Having competed in both national and international fights, Dhant notes how the atmosphere changes with the venue. “Here, we fight in a small cage, which is enough for us, but when fighting abroad, it feels different—the bright lights and the huge cage make a big impact.”  However, he points out a stark difference in India. “The cages there don’t function properly, and for medical emergencies, they only provide ice cubes and Vaseline. We even have to find a doctor ourselves.”

For those aspiring to follow this path, Dhant emphasizes the importance of patience, hard work, and discipline. “MMA is an expensive sport to pursue,” he admits.

Reflecting on his journey, he shares, “I have learned to speak in front of people and cameras. I have gained discipline and a strong work ethic. Since I always wanted to be recognized from a young age, I’m grateful to have reached a point where people know me and want to learn about me.”