BTRC discusses AI and digital services with Google

The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has discussed strengthening cooperation with Google in artificial intelligence (AI), local payment systems, digital infrastructure and technology-driven services in Bangladesh. The meeting also highlighted the need for effective AI-based technologies to rapidly detect and remove harmful content and promotions of illegal financial activities.

The issues were discussed during a meeting between BTRC Chairman Major General Md Emdad Ul Bari (Retd.) and Google’s South Asia Policy Head Kyle Gardner at the BTRC headquarters in Agargaon, Dhaka, on Sunday afternoon.

During the meeting, Kyle Gardner discussed the expansion of Google’s various services in Bangladesh, the introduction of local payment systems and the development of necessary infrastructure. He also stressed the importance of strengthening regular communication and coordination between Google and the BTRC.

The BTRC called on Google to take necessary initiatives to expand its business operations in Bangladesh and establish a local office, noting the large number of internet users in the country who use Google’s services and platforms.

The meeting also discussed the possibility of establishing a Google AI model laboratory in Bangladesh, providing AI training to Bangladeshi engineers, and supporting local startup entrepreneurs in developing their capabilities and fostering innovation. The BTRC also sought to know whether Google would introduce dedicated services or initiatives to encourage investment in the AI sector.

In response, the Google representative expressed interest in these areas and said the company would review potential areas of cooperation. He also said there are currently some limitations to establishing a local office in Bangladesh, while assuring that the matter could be considered in the future.

The BTRC also informed the Google representative of the need for effective mechanisms to rapidly detect and remove harmful content from Google’s various platforms, as well as the importance of introducing local payment systems in Bangladesh.

BTRC Chairman Major General Md Emdad Ul Bari urged Google to take more effective measures to prevent criminals from using its platforms to promote betting, gambling or other illegal financial activities. He also stressed the introduction of effective technical mechanisms using AI to automatically detect and remove such content as soon as it is published.

The meeting also emphasised expanding the scope of multidimensional cooperation between Google and the government. The BTRC suggested developing effective cooperation and partnerships between Google and relevant government departments, divisions and ministries in addition to the commission.

Google’s Public Policy Head Kyle Gardner welcomed the views expressed by the BTRC chairman and expressed his commitment to working more closely with the relevant ministries and the BTRC.

BTRC Director General of Systems and Services Brigadier General Shahzad Parvez Mahmud, Director General of Engineering and Operations Brigadier General Shafiul Azam Parvez, Director of Systems and Services Lieutenant Colonel Md Kamrul Hasan Mamun and Deputy Director S M Taifur Rahman were present at the meeting.
//DBTech/MABP/NAP/SME//