Interim Government Announces Decision to Repeal Cybersecurity Act
In its 12th session held on Thursday, November 7, the Interim Government's Advisory Council made a policy decision to repeal the widely criticized Cybersecurity Act. Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary, Shafiqul Alam, shared details of the decision in a press conference at the Foreign Service Academy that evening.
Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam stated that last year, the former authoritarian regime had rebranded the Digital Security Act as the Cybersecurity Act with the same underlying intent—to suppress voices and control dissent. He explained that this law had led to significant harassment, particularly targeting minority groups, resulting in jail terms and other forms of persecution. According to Alam, the Advisory Council has reached a consensus to repeal it.
Following the repeal, Alam outlined the government’s future plans for cyber safety, noting the need for a new law to address critical cybersecurity concerns, particularly protecting vulnerable groups, women’s online safety, and financial infrastructure from hacking and cyber threats.
When asked about the fate of existing cases under the repealed act, Alam indicated that the Ministry of Law would address those details. However, he confirmed that cases involving freedom of expression violations would be dismissed, while cases related to other criminal offenses, such as pornography or threats to women’s safety, would proceed under existing regulations.
