Liberation War Affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Haque, also chairing the Cabinet Committee on Law and Order, has issued a stern warning that the government might temporarily block access to major social media platforms, such as Facebook and YouTube, if they fail to adhere to government directives aimed at combating disinformation.
Speaking to the press following a committee meeting at the Secretariat, Minister Haque emphasized the government’s concerns over the reluctance of Facebook, YouTube, and Google to implement recommendations on various issues. He highlighted the challenge posed by the absence of their head offices in Bangladesh, which hampers the government’s efforts to combat rumors and cybercrimes on social media.
Minister Haque outlined the course of action, stating that the media giants would be notified of their non-compliance. Should they persist in defiance, the government may resort to publishing advertisements in newspapers detailing their non-compliance before considering any further measures.
He emphasized the intention to serve public notices to ensure transparency and mitigate any claims of infringement on rights, thereby absolving the government of responsibility.
