BTRC chief calls for responsible use of social media to curb online crime

Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) Chairman Maj Gen (retd) Md Emdad ul Bari has called for greater responsibility in the use of social media, saying freedom of speech should be accompanied by restraint to help prevent online crime, misinformation and social instability.

Speaking at a shadow parliament debate organised by Debate for Democracy at the Bangladesh Film Development Corporation (FDC) today (11 July), he said misuse of social media has become a complex problem, with some online content exceeding "the limits of cruelty."

Emdad said what happens in society is partly reflected on social media, but the misuse of these platforms has enabled crimes such as defamation, financial fraud, hate speech and incitement to violence, reads a press release.

He said Facebook has become more powerful than many small nation-states because of its ability to establish instant global connectivity.

The BTRC chairman said civic awareness and respect for personal privacy are essential to preventing misuse of social media.

Referring to online financial fraud, he said institutions such as Destiny and Evaly had used online platforms to deceive people.

He also said identifying the financial transaction channels used for online gambling would make it easier to track those involved.

He said the recently enacted Prevention of Gambling Act could help control such crimes.

According to the BTRC chairman, the commission blocked 26,000 online gambling websites and removed 20,000 pieces of hate speech from various online platforms last year.

The programme was chaired by Debate for Democracy Chairman Hassan Ahamed Chowdhury Kiron.

In his address, Kiron alleged that some groups were misusing social media by spreading false information, rumours and fabricated content in the name of freedom of expression.

He said such content was harming political, social and religious harmony and had contributed to communal violence, mob attacks, vandalism and loss of life.

Kiron also expressed concern over what he described as obscene content being produced on some online platforms in the name of web series and said many young people were becoming addicted to such content.

He further said online gambling addiction was increasing, causing financial losses for many people.

He urged the BTRC to take a stronger role in tackling misinformation, rumours and offensive online content, and suggested the regulator organise civic dialogues to promote the responsible use of the internet.

At the event, Stamford University Bangladesh defeated Manarat International University in the shadow parliament debate titled "Social instability is rising due to the misuse of social media."

Trophies, crests and certificates were distributed among the participating teams at the end of the competition.