Bangladesh Proposes Stricter Cyber Laws to Combat Disinformation

• •Proposed amendments to the Cyber Security Act include up to 10 years' imprisonment for disinformation.
• •New provisions aim to combat online harassment and defamation, especially targeting women and minors.
• •Critics argue the amendments may lead to misuse and further restrictions on digital rights.

The Bangladesh government is set to amend the Cyber Security Act to introduce severe penalties for spreading online disinformation and rumours. The proposed amendments include a new Section 26A, which criminalizes the publication of unverified information, carrying penalties of up to 10 years in prison and fines of Tk 40 lakh. Additionally, Section 25 will be modified to include defamation and harassment, with similar penalties. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, along with law enforcement, will enforce these new provisions. Critics, including digital rights advocates, warn that these laws could lead to misuse and further restrict online freedoms. The amendments are expected to be presented in the upcoming Parliament session, just three months after the Cyber Protection Act was passed. The proposed changes aim to address the growing concern over malicious social media campaigns, particularly those utilizing AI-generated content.