Bangladesh Bans Betting and Porn: Bold Cyber Crackdown
The Government of Bangladesh has announced a zero-tolerance policy to ensure the country’s cyberspace remains safe, ethical, and youth-friendly. Authorities have observed a recent rise in gambling, betting, and pornography-related advertisements and promotional content across online platforms, websites, mobile apps, and social media. Such activities contravene the Cyber Security Ordinance, 2025, and the Pornography Control Act, 2012.
The announcement was made in a press release signed by Muhammad Jasim Uddin, Public Relations Officer of the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology, on Thursday, October 16.
The release stated, “Creating, promoting, or displaying gambling or betting-related content in cyberspace is a punishable offense. Similarly, strict penalties apply for promoting pornography or unethical content.”
The government and the National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA) have issued specific directives in four areas:
Media and Digital Platforms: All newspapers, online news portals, and digital advertising agencies are prohibited from displaying gambling, betting, or pornography-related advertisements. Default AdSense or customized ads showing such content will be subject to punitive action.
Celebrities and Content Creators: Domestic media personalities, influencers, and content creators have been urged not to participate in any promotional activities related to gambling, pornography, or unethical products or services. “Participation in such activities will be considered an offense under the Cyber Security Act,” the statement warned.
Domestic and International Websites/Apps: No domestic or international website, app, or digital platform accessible in Bangladesh may promote gambling, betting, or pornography-related content, ads, or links. The NCSA will monitor such content and, if necessary, implement blocking, fines, or legal measures.
International Advertising Platforms: Mobile companies, ISPs, Google AdSense, Meta Ads, and other international ad platforms are instructed to strictly follow pop-up blocking and filtering policies in alignment with local law and ethical standards.
The government emphasized, “The active participation of government agencies, media, technology companies, and civil society is essential to build an ethical, safe, and disciplined society.” Citizens or organizations who encounter gambling, betting, or pornography-related content online are encouraged to report it to [email protected].
The release added that beyond legal action, this initiative is crucial for the moral development of the youth, the reinforcement of social values, and the preservation of family bonds. Agencies including CID, BTRC, NCSA, NTMC, NSI, and BFIU are working jointly to ensure cyber security, ethics, and responsible digital behavior.
