Cyber Crackdown to Curb Content Creator Misconduct
The government has announced strict stances against individuals who, under the identity of “content creators,” violate personal privacy and record videos without consent for dissemination on social media.
Responding to a written question raised in the Jatiya Sangsad (National Parliament) on Tuesday, 21 April, Minister of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Faqir Mahbub Anam said that, under the new “Cyber Security Act, 2026,” investigations into such offences will be completed within 90 days to ensure speedy trial. The minister provided these details in response to a question from Netrokona-3 constituency Member of Parliament Rofiqul Islam Hilali.
The minister stated that recording videos without consent for purposes such as blackmail, sexual harassment, or demanding money will be treated as serious offences. Under Section 25(1) of the law, intentionally intimidating someone or disseminating defamatory information through digital means is punishable by up to 2 years’ imprisonment or a fine of up to Tk 10 lakh. However, if the victim is a woman or a child under 18 years of age, the punishment increases to up to 5 years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to Tk 20 lakh. Additionally, demanding extortion money using recorded video will be treated as fraud, carrying a maximum penalty of Tk 50 lakh in fines and 5 years’ imprisonment.
Regarding technological enforcement, the minister said that the Director General of the National Cyber Security Agency now has the authority to immediately remove or block any harmful content. In this regard, BTRC will provide direct support. Furthermore, under the new law, law enforcement agencies have been granted powers to conduct searches without warrants when necessary, seize digital devices, and arrest offenders. An international-standard digital forensic laboratory has also begun operations to identify the source of videos and the perpetrators using advanced technology.
Referring to future plans, Faqir Mahbub Anam said that a special agency comprising international experts has been formed to combat cybercrime. To prevent misinformation campaigns operated from abroad, the “Mutual Assistance Act, 2012” will be applied to bring offenders to justice. Even if such crimes are committed from outside Bangladesh against any citizen, legal action can be taken under this law. He expressed optimism that the obligation to complete investigations swiftly will significantly reduce the chances of cybercriminals evading justice.
DBTech/NA/EK/OR
