Does Nepal have an AI law or policy?

Nepal has a National AI Policy approved by the Council of Ministers in 2025 and a 2024 concept paper from MoCIT, but no AI-specific legislation. Existing privacy, electronic-transaction and cyber-security law applies.

Country · Asia

AI regulation in Nepal

Source-linked 3 instruments · 1 binding

Overview

Nepal is at an early stage of AI governance. The Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (MoCIT) published a concept paper on the use and practice of AI in 2024 and the Council of Ministers approved a National AI Policy in 2025 that sets objectives for AI development, ethics, data and institutional arrangements. There is no AI-specific legislation. Applicable law comes from the Electronic Transactions Act 2063 (2008), the Individual Privacy Act 2075 (2018) and its regulations, the National Cyber Security Policy 2080 (2023) and sector rules, alongside the Digital Nepal Framework.

What is the current regulatory status?

National AI policy adopted (2025); no binding AI-specific law; privacy and electronic-transaction laws apply. Source certainty for policy documents is medium because official English-language texts and stable document URLs are limited; every record here must be verified against MoCIT publications.

Binding rules versus guidance

Binding: Electronic Transactions Act 2063, Individual Privacy Act 2075 and the Individual Privacy Regulation 2077, sector rules from Nepal Rastra Bank and the Nepal Telecommunications Authority. Guidance / policy: National AI Policy 2082 (2025), the 2024 AI concept paper, Digital Nepal Framework 2019, National Cyber Security Policy 2080.

Key policy instruments

Nepal Policy Adopted

Nepal National AI Policy

National Artificial Intelligence Policy, 2082 (2025) — Nepal

Nepal's National AI Policy sets the government's direction for developing and using artificial intelligence. Based on the published summaries, it aims to build AI infrastructure and skills, promote ethical and responsible AI, strengthen data governance, establish institutional arrangements for AI oversight, and prepare legal and regulatory measures. It is a policy framework, not a law, and does not itself create enforceable obligations on private organisations.

Adopted 1 Aug 2025 Source-linked Official source

Nepal Act / statute In force Binding

Nepal Privacy Act 2075

Individual Privacy Act, 2075 (2018) — Nepal

The Individual Privacy Act 2075 gives effect to the constitutional right to privacy in Nepal. It regulates the collection, storage, processing, use and disclosure of personal information by public bodies and private entities, requires consent for collection and use of personal data subject to exceptions, restricts sensitive data, and provides remedies and penalties. It is the main binding law affecting AI systems that process personal data in Nepal. The Individual Privacy Regulation 2077 (2020) provides implementing rules.

In force 18 Sep 2018 Source-linked Official source

Nepal Consultation Under consultation

Concept Paper on the Use and Practice of Artificial Intelligence in Nepal

A concept paper prepared by a ministry-appointed committee that surveys the state of AI use in Nepal, its opportunities and risks, and the gaps in existing law and infrastructure. It recommends formulating a national AI policy and strategy, addressing data protection, privacy and cybersecurity, and building governance structures. The paper was published for public suggestions and is cited in the 2025 policy as its precursor.

Adopted 5 Jul 2024 Source-linked · checked 11 Sep 2026 Official source

Upcoming deadlines

No scheduled future dates recorded. Past milestones are listed on each policy page.

Current priorities

Implementing the National AI Policy's institutional arrangements, drafting AI-related legislation and standards, data governance and digital public infrastructure, and capacity building.

Latest changes

1 Aug 2025 Nepal High Adopted

Nepal's Council of Ministers approves the National AI Policy

Nepal National AI Policy Ministry of Communication and Information Technology Source-linked

5 Jul 2024 Nepal Routine

Concept paper published for comments on MoCIT website (21 Asar 2081)

Concept Paper on the Use and Practice of Artificial Intelligence in Nepal Concept paper published for comments on MoCIT website (21 Asar 2081) Source-linked · checked 11 Sep 2026

Applicable sectors, use cases and obligation areas

Use cases: AI in finance, credit and insurance AI in public services Biometrics and facial recognition Generative AI and foundation models
Sectors: Cross-sector / all sectors Public services and government
Obligation areas: governance accountability (1)privacy data protection (1)

How to use this information

Treat the Individual Privacy Act 2075 as the main binding constraint for AI using personal data in Nepal.
Use the National AI Policy to anticipate future regulation and public-sector procurement expectations.
Confirm every policy claim against the MoCIT website, and note the Nepali calendar (Bikram Sambat) dates used in official documents.

Official government and regulator sources

Ministry of Communication and Information Technology — publications
Government of Nepal, MoCIT · Tier 1 source
Nepal Law Commission — Acts and Regulations
Government of Nepal · Tier 1 source

Frequently asked questions

Does Nepal have an AI law or policy?: Nepal has a National AI Policy approved by the Council of Ministers in 2025 and a 2024 concept paper from MoCIT, but no AI-specific legislation. Existing privacy, electronic-transaction and cyber-security law applies.

Informational only, not legal advice. Verify every claim against the linked official sources and consult qualified counsel before acting.