Minister Calls for National E-Safety Plan to Combat Fake News and Digital Threats
Merely identifying the challenges posed by fake news, misinformation, disinformation, and growing digital risks is no longer sufficient; what is now needed are practical solutions and an effective national action plan, said Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan.
He made the remarks while addressing a roundtable discussion titled “Policy, Technology and Accountability in Combating Fake News in Bangladesh,” organized by the Nationalist ICT Forum at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB) in the capital.
Calling on experts to contribute actively, the minister urged them to prepare and submit a timely and practical draft of a national e-safety plan to the government. He emphasized that policymakers themselves must first enhance their subject-matter knowledge and capabilities before expecting the general public to effectively tackle the challenges of fake news and disinformation.
Zahir Uddin Swapan stated that developing sound policies, a robust regulatory framework, and technology-driven implementation mechanisms would make it significantly easier to address such challenges.
Highlighting the rapid expansion of Artificial Intelligence (AI), he noted that the technology could have long-term implications for civilization, economies, and employment. While acknowledging AI’s positive potential, he stressed the importance of carefully considering its associated risks.
The minister further observed that in today’s world, not only border security but also digital infrastructure and data security have become strategically important issues. Therefore, strengthening cybersecurity frameworks must go hand in hand with enhancing digital capabilities.
Referring to the government's efforts to involve experts more closely in policymaking, he said that complex contemporary challenges cannot be addressed without knowledge-based and merit-driven decision-making.
Addressing members and technology specialists of the Nationalist ICT Forum, he remarked, “There has already been extensive discussion about the problems. Now it is time to focus on solutions. I am waiting for a clear, practical, and timely national action plan.”
He expressed hope that the recommendations put forward by experts would play a significant role in building a secure, technologically empowered, and inclusive Bangladesh.
The roundtable was attended by Nationalist ICT Forum Convener Shahrin Islam Tuhin, BNP Information, Communication and Technology Affairs Secretary AKM Wahiduzzaman, as well as experts from the fields of information technology, cybersecurity, media, and public policy.
//DBTech/SMM/EK/OR//
