Kathmandu. Information and communication technology experts have expressed serious concern over the fact that Nepal Telecom is developing its internal systems including procurement process, meeting management, workflow management through its own software unit and using Artificial Intelligence (AI) based ‘vibe coding’.

They have raised questions about cybersecurity, good governance, transparency and the effective use of government resources.

Chiranjibi Adhikari, Acting President of Federation of Computer Association Nepal (CAN) and Associate Director of Techpaila Innovations, said that Nepal Telecom should not ignore international practices and standards while developing its own internal system.

According to him, the ‘maker and checker’ principle is mandatorily adopted while developing globally sensitive software systems.

The agencies that develop software and test and certify it are different. However, he said that the practice of developing and testing the software on its own will lead to a lack of independent testing, hiding technical weaknesses and weakening good governance.

The official questioned the use of AI-based ‘vibe-coding’ technology, which has become popular in recent times.

According to him, such a system that generates code by directing AI can be useful for small and simple projects.

But it can be risky to use it without adequate code testing, security checks and quality certification in an organization that operates sensitive national information infrastructure like Telecom. He said that the code generated by AI does not have the necessary security infrastructure, strong log management and surveillance systems, which can increase the risk of data leakage or cyber attacks in the future.

He expressed the view that it would not be economically viable to develop software that is used only for a limited number of users when there is still a shortage of skilled information technology manpower in government organizations.

According to him, instead of taking services from established and experienced software companies in the market, there is a possibility of increasing the cost and not the expected improvement in the efficiency of the organization due to all the development, maintenance, updation and security management itself.

On behalf of the federation, Adhikari stressed that the government should promote the local private technology industry as a partner.

“It is not justified for the state to become a software producer by ignoring the local technology industry and skilled private sector,” he said, adding that collaboration between the government and private sector was necessary to materialize the dream of Digital Nepal. ”

According to him, there is a need to conduct an independent cybersecurity audit of all internal systems that Nepal Telecom is developing or has already brought into operation. He also suggested ensuring the involvement of expert software companies in the development, testing and security of sensitive software systems, and making code testing and security certification mandatory as per international standards.

Experts in the information technology sector have suggested that independent testing, collaboration with private sector and adherence to international standards are inevitable to ensure its security, transparency and long-term reliability.