Data Protection and Disinformation Discussed in PIB Seminar
For the first time globally, data classification is being brought under the purview of personal data protection laws, according to Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, Special Assistant in charge of the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology to the Chief Adviser. He made the remarks while addressing a seminar titled "Trends and Patterns of Recent Disinformation in Bangladesh Media," held on Saturday, June 28 at the Press Institute Bangladesh (PIB) seminar room.
Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb stated, “The part of the data that identifies an individual is being classified. The objective is to store Personally Identifiable Information (PII) within the country to prevent it from being transferred abroad. Confidential data, such as health records or financial data, can only be used under specified conditions and through transparent procedures. Components of data that include images, video, or audio may be stored elsewhere through mapping, but PII must remain within national borders.”
He also added that under the new Cyber Security Ordinance, all content generated or processed using artificial intelligence now falls under the legal jurisdiction of cyberspace and will be treated as a potential offense if misused.
PIB Director Faruk Wasif, who presided over the event, said, “Over the past 15 years, the state itself turned into a factory of falsehoods and the media stood as its ally.” He emphasized that disinformation cannot be tackled by fact-checking alone and must be addressed as a broader social movement.
A research paper was presented at the seminar by Mamun-ur-Rashid, consultant to the EBLICT Project under the Bangladesh Computer Council, which focuses on enhancing the use of the Bangla language in information technology through research and development.
Mamun-ur-Rashid said, “If media houses lose credibility, it becomes a threat to the entire society.” Citing data from various outlets after August 5 and analyzing disinformation spread by YouTube channels, he pointed out that one of the major vehicles of misinformation in Bangladesh is the use of photocards.
Speakers at the seminar noted that many Bangladeshi media outlets view fact-checking as an unnecessary expense they are unwilling to bear. Yet, photocards remain a major method of spreading misinformation. Viral incidents are often covered with deliberate intent, they said.
In an open discussion following the paper presentation, prominent media professionals also participated. Among the speakers were Moshiul Alam, Chief Coordinator of Prothoma Publications; Shafik Ahmed, COO of Ekattor TV; and Mizan Malik, City Editor of the Daily Jugantor.
They highlighted the need for greater technical investment and capacity building among journalists to effectively combat disinformation in the media. The seminar was moderated by senior PIB research officer Golam Morshed.
