Fake News Law in Bangladesh

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    Understand Fake News Law with NetworkBD in Bangladesh

    Bangladesh’s three-year-old “fake news” law harkens back to the colonial era when rulers used punishment to hide unpopular truths. More than 1,000 people have been arrested under the country’s Digital Security Act (DSA), a draconian law enacted in October 2018 that contains overbroad and unclear provisions allowing authorities considerable authority to control the internet environment.

     

    Bangladesh is not alone in its rush to enact “fake news” legislation, which is increasingly being used to curtail freedom of expression. Member states of the United Nations who have expressed concern about a worldwide trend against freedom of expression must band together and hold those who fail to uphold their human rights duties accountable. We are in a critical period when authorities in many countries throughout the world are engaging in illegal activities and even weaponizing laws in order to suppress dissent. The deteriorating situation in Bangladesh is a great example.

    Fake News Law in Bangladesh

    3 Different Types of False Information

    False information is classified into different categories:

     

    1. Misinformation is the dissemination of misleading or incorrect information (fake news) that was not intended to harm you. You may make false information trustworthy by sharing and spreading it.

     

    2. Fake news is information or news that has been manufactured without using sources, facts, or quotes to back it up. Hoaxes, conspiracy theories, fraudulent websites, clickbait pages masquerading as authentic websites, memes, official-looking Youtube channels, and “zombie claims” are just a few examples (photos or posts that have been manipulated or edited to look real that keep popping up all over social media).

     

    3. Information created to deceive, lie, or support the agenda of a person or a social/political group is referred to as disinformation or fake news. It’s skewed information developed with the purpose to hurt you, similar to propaganda used for “brainwashing.”

     

    To provoke a reaction (emotional response) and a response (action), misinformation and deception are used (share content). When something elicits strong emotions in us, it’s all too easy to spread misinformation or fake news without realizing it.

    NetworkBD Exclusive Consultation on Right of Government Ministry

    Under the new Bangladesh fake news law, government ministers will be able to issue a variety of orders, including directing online news companies to publish corrections following false news items. In extreme cases, government ministers can order the publisher to remove the article from their website and Internet service providers to block the user’s access to the offending sites.

     

    Anyone, including companies, who refuse to comply with Government ministers’ orders on fake news in Bangladesh would be punished. Bangladesh’s fake news law will apply to both foreign and domestic companies and people. They will be subject to the new rule if they distribute fake news in Singapore, even if they are from another country.

     

    “Publishing false, offensive,” and “defamatory” information online with an “intent to deteriorate peace and order,” which includes satire and criticism of authorities and other prominent people, are the most regularly utilized reasons for detention under the DSA. International human rights legislation, on the other hand, makes it plain that criticizing the rulers or spreading fake news can never be justified.

     

    Campaigns that could be perceived as propaganda against Bangladesh’s Liberation War, the country’s founding president, the national anthem, or the national flag via digital means are punishable by life imprisonment under Section 21 of the law. As of July 2021, at least 13 people had been charged under Section 21. This is relatable to fake news.

    Our Dynamic Advisors Assist About Fake News

    Fake news is also considered untrue in Bangladesh when it is used to influence the outcome of a presidential election, a by-election, or a general election by inciting feelings of hostility, animosity, or ill-will. It is regarded to be against the public interest if the news intends to undermine public confidence in the Government’s, statutory board’s, or the Organ of State’s performance of responsibilities, functions, or use of power.

    Our Dynamic Advisors Assist About Fake News

    Fake news is also considered untrue in Bangladesh when it is used to influence the outcome of a presidential election, a by-election, or a general election by inciting feelings of hostility, animosity, or ill-will. It is regarded to be against the public interest if the news intends to undermine public confidence in the Government’s, statutory board’s, or the Organ of State’s performance of responsibilities, functions, or use of power.

    Our Expertise in Dealing with False Information and Fake News

    Have you come across any examples of bogus news on the internet? Remember that fake news isn’t just something that you disagree with; it’s made-up information intended to deceive others. If you’re not sure if the content meets this description, don’t share it with others. Sharing it so that you may comment on it isn’t beneficial; while it allows you to voice your frustrations, it also spreads the content wider. Your goal should be to ignore and avoid disseminating bogus news rather than spreading it.

     

    If you come across fake news or misinformation while reading your social media feeds, you can take action. If a trending post provides erroneous information, you can “hide” it. Users who continually popping up in your feed and promoting misinformation or disinformation should be blocked. Because they’re propagating fake news, unfollow any pages you’ve previously “liked” or subscribed to. You may prevent being exposed to dodgy articles and accounts by pruning your feeds in this way.

    FAQ For Fake News Law

    1. Why did the government introduce this new legislation and what are the challenges?

    The issue of fake news dissemination has become a global problem as a result of the fast-paced technological communication revolution. Bangladesh has recently faced numerous challenges as a result of fake news, which not only confuses the public but also threatens the people’s safety, economy, prosperity, and well-being.

    2. Does this bill's explanation of fake news have a broad or narrow scope?

    The government has taken steps in the proposed bill to provide a clear and specific definition of fake news, as well as illustrations of fake news situations. The bill defines fake news as any news, information, data, or report that is partially or entirely false, whether in the form of an article, a video or audio recording, or any other medium that can visualize words or ideas. It is important to note that there are currently no laws directly related to fake news.

    3. Who decides whether a piece of news or information is fake or not in this context?

    In this case, the government has decided to allow a neutral and fair party, the courts, to make a decision, as required by law. Any publication deemed to contain fake news will be able to be disposed of by the courts.

    4. Who decides whether a piece of news or information is fake or not in this context?

    In this case, the government has decided to allow a neutral and fair party, the courts, to make a decision, as required by law. Any publication deemed to contain fake news will be able to be disposed of by the courts.

    5. Will this bill cover all aspects of the spread of fake news?

    This bill demonstrates the government’s commitment to combating the spread of fake news as a result of the rapid and widespread adoption of communication technology.

     

    In this regard, the bill will add to the law’s existing provisions. At the same time, the bill’s scope is broad and exclusive, allowing it to address fake news offenses thoroughly and effectively.

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