The Supreme Court (SC) has issued a directive to Nepal Telecom not to grant anybody unauthorized access to users’ personal data. The directive comes as the company makes effort to procure and install a new billing system.
Releasing the full text of the verdict delivered by a joint bench of Justices, Dr. Nakul Subedi and Mahesh Sharma Poudel on Bhadra 25, 2081, the Supreme Court stated that access to personal information should not be given as individuals have the right to privacy, personal freedom and to live with dignity.
For this directive to Ntc, SC referenced the citizens’ constitutional rights to privacy. It also declared that any unapproved access to user data is a serious violation of the citizens’ right.
“There is a constitutional provision that personal documents, data, and correspondence of any person are inviolable except in accordance with law, and there is no dispute that it is the responsibility of the state to protect such rights. Since any unauthorized access to personal information is a serious violation of the constitutional provisions related to fundamental rights such as the right to privacy, the right to personal liberty, and the right to live with dignity, such fundamental rights should be ensured even in the procurement and installation of the billing system. There should be no conflict of interest in the procurement process,” the full text of the judgment reads.
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SC directive comes as Nepal Telecom prepares for new billing system that could see users’ personal data
NT is purchasing a billing system through a tender. So, the installation process can allow the supplier to access data on the mobile phones of the users. This could expose users’ sensitive and confidential information.
If such a situation unfolds, it would seriously undermine the protection of the public’s personal freedom and dignity, as well as national sovereignty and security.
On Chaitra 18, Nepal Telecom invited bids to replace its integrated billing system with the CRTB (Convergent Real Time Billing) system. Rita Karki had filed a writ petition in the Supreme Court, arguing that the system was not new, had flaws, and would prove costly. She also reasoned that it could potentially threaten customer privacy and cause financial loss to Nepal Telecom. The SC directive came after a hearing on this petition.
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In its verdict, SC also said that the procurement process in any public company must be transparent, competitive, and economical. It also told the telecom giant to prioritize the company’s interests while procuring the new billing system.
How safe do you feel using mobile phones? Do you think telecom operators should do more to protect user privacy and information? Do share in the comment section below.
