Digital Privacy Under Pressure as Global Tech Growth Outpaces Regulation: Zahir Uddin Swapan
Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan has said that rapid technological advancement has placed personal privacy under serious threat. He warned that in this new reality of the digital world, failure to build coordinated global understanding and an effective regulatory framework could expose the world to even greater risks in the future.
He made these remarks as the chief guest at the opening ceremony of the “International Cable TV, Broadcasting and Communication Expo 2026” held on Wednesday morning, May 7, at the International Convention City Bashundhara in the capital. The exhibition was organized by the Cable Operators Association of Bangladesh.
The minister said the current government does not seek to control the media; rather, it aims to bring it under a transparent, accountable, and independent framework. He also remarked that in the modern world, no state can remain outside the scope of information flow or accountability.
Zahir Uddin Swapan said that forming an independent and consensus-based media commission—ensuring the protection of the mutual interests of stakeholders—is now a timely demand. He added that the government does not intend to establish authority over the sector, but rather to act as a facilitator.
He said, “In civilized countries, the media is not run by information ministries, but through independent commissions. We are also moving in that direction.”
Highlighting the government’s democratic accountability, he said, “We came to power through a transparent election. No one at home or abroad has questioned that election. Therefore, we remain continuously accountable to the people.”
Addressing the current realities of the media industry, the minister said that Bangladesh lacks a reliable data infrastructure regarding newspaper circulation and television viewership. He noted that effective policymaking cannot be done based on assumptions or memorized estimates.
He said the government is working in three phases to address this issue, including joint research, digital data collection, and formulation of new policies and roadmaps based on that data. He expressed hope that this would bring transparency to advertising rates and revenue management.
Regarding the impact of digital platforms, the minister said that communication and information technology have become so expansive that no single state can control everything alone. He called on stakeholders to increase knowledge-based investment to better understand this evolving ecosystem.
The event was chaired by A B M Saiful Hossain Sohail. Special guests included Anjan Chowdhury Pintu. Also present were Syed Mosharraf Ali Chanchal, Nizam Uddin Masud, along with senior officials from various broadcasting and technology sector organizations.
DBTech/SH/MUIM/OR
