Government Moves to Amend Cyber Security Law to Curb Misinformation

The government has initiated steps to amend the Cyber Security Act to curb the spread of rumors, misinformation, defamatory material, and misleading content generated using artificial intelligence (AI) across social media and cyberspace, Home Affairs Adviser/Minister Salahuddin Ahmed informed Parliament on Monday.

Responding to an urgent public importance notice raised under Rule 71 by reserved-seat lawmaker Helen Jerin Khan, Salahuddin Ahmed said the growing misuse of digital platforms has created a need to redefine key legal concepts relating to online expression and harmful content.

He noted that content targeting political figures, important state officials, and their family members is increasingly being circulated on social media under the banner of freedom of expression. The government is now reviewing whether such content genuinely falls within the scope of protected speech.

According to the minister, authorities are currently working to establish a new legal definition of “cyberspace” that encompasses social media, virtual media, and all online-based platforms. A draft amendment to the Cyber Security Act is being prepared, which will introduce updated definitions of rumors, misinformation, defamation, and misleading content.

The revised law is also expected to include new penalties aimed at preventing the creation and dissemination of such content.

Salahuddin Ahmed expressed concern over the increasing use of AI technology to produce offensive, harassing, and defamatory material. To address the issue, the government plans to introduce provisions that will strengthen coordination with international technology platforms and ensure the rapid removal of harmful online content.

He said that although requests are currently sent to digital platforms for the removal of harmful content, responses are often delayed or ignored. The proposed amendments will therefore require content to be removed within specified timeframes.

The minister further revealed that, in addition to law enforcement agencies, other government-authorized bodies may be granted the authority to request the removal, blocking, or transfer of online data and content. The government is considering assigning such powers to the National Cyber Security Authority and the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC).

Answering a supplementary question from Helen Jerin Khan, Salahuddin Ahmed stated that international technology companies, including Meta, often fail to respond promptly to requests originating from Bangladesh. One reason, he said, is the lack of sufficiently binding legal provisions in the existing framework.

He added that some neighboring countries have already established legal mechanisms requiring Meta to take action within 24 hours. Bangladesh intends to introduce similar provisions to compel international platforms to remove harmful content within designated deadlines.

The minister also informed Parliament that the government is working to modernize the colonial-era Gambling Prevention Act of 1867. The proposed legislation will cover both online and offline gambling, betting activities, and related offenses. He expressed hope that the bill would be introduced during the current parliamentary session.

In addition, a new Narcotics Control Act has been prepared to strengthen anti-drug efforts. The legislation proposes transforming the Department of Narcotics Control into a more autonomous and capable institution, equipped with modern laboratories, enhanced training facilities, dog squads, and stronger legal authority.

Salahuddin Ahmed said the government is committed to building a robust legal framework to address cybercrime, drug-related offenses, social misconduct, and other forms of criminal activity. Once enacted, the new laws are expected to improve the country's ability to combat crime and social degradation in line with public expectations.

He expressed optimism that the proposed legal reforms would strengthen cybersecurity and help ensure a safer and more responsible digital environment across Bangladesh.