Misinformation Mitigation: Govt Plans Project to Curb False Content on Social Media

Prime Minister’s Adviser Zahed Ur Rahman has announced that a new project is being undertaken to prevent the spread of misinformation on social media. The project is titled, “Strengthening Public Engagement with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and Its Subordinate Offices through Optimal Use of New Media and Strategic Planning.”

He also indicated that the initiative would facilitate the dissemination of accurate information through the same channels.

Speaking at a press conference held at the Secretariat on Wednesday, March 25, marking one month of the government’s tenure, Zahed Ur Rahman elaborated on the issue. He said, “I would like to highlight a new phenomenon on social media that I find quite alarming. I believe you will agree. Some content creators design logos that closely resemble those of established news outlets, and from a distance, they appear authentic. Using such logos, they publish content under different names, often in the form of satire.”

“This is seriously contributing to the spread of disinformation. I hope you have noticed this trend. Therefore, I believe we can work together with you, and you will agree with us. People are free to create satire, but it should not mimic the appearance of established media outlets. In my view, this is an offense. We want to address this issue and will soon bring it under a structured framework,” he added.

The Prime Minister’s adviser, who is also widely known as a television commentator, further said that many people—even well-informed individuals—are seen referencing and sharing such content. “To combat disinformation, several steps are necessary: identifying it, debunking it, and then disseminating the corrected information,” he noted.

Zahed Ur Rahman added that the government aims to tackle disinformation under a policy framework and legal provisions. “Addressing this issue involves not only raising public awareness but also making it clear that such acts are wrongful and constitute an offense,” he said.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan, State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Yaser Khan Chowdhury, and Information and Broadcasting Secretary Mahbuba Farzana were present at the event.

DBTech/SH/EK/OR