Photo : Messenger
The government is intensifying its efforts to regulate social media content in anticipation of the forthcoming 12th National Parliamentary Election. Several measures have been implemented to combat spreading misinformation and rumors related to the upcoming national election.
Reports indicate that Facebook, Google, and TikTok authorities have met the requirements set forth by Bangladesh's regulations concerning the national election.
Meta, the parent company overseeing WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram, has unveiled revised policies concerning political advertising campaigns created through artificial intelligence (AI) by diverse groups.
During a meeting with the Election Commission to counteract false propaganda, Meta declared that the updated policy would take immediate effect.
The country has witnessed a consistent rise in internet users over recent years. Initially observed in different trades, organisations across the spectrum are now actively engaging in campaigns both offline and online. Amidst the election period, numerous political parties are utilising the online platforms to conduct their campaign activities.
In the current landscape, social media stands as a major platform for political party promotions and engagement.
This scenario raises concerns about the potential dissemination of misinformation during elections through platforms like Facebook and other online platforms, especially with the involvement of artificial intelligence. Consequently, the government has taken specific measures to address this issue.
Ashok Kumar Debnath, Additional Secretary of the Election Commission, mentioned, “Meta, the company behind WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram, has unveiled new policies ahead of elections in various countries. In our nation as well, there is apprehension regarding the spread of diverse misinformation surrounding the election.”
"A recent meeting was convened with the Election Commission to ensure heightened vigilance on these concerns. Meta has pledged cooperation in several aspects, and we, in turn, will assist them by providing information. We've requested their aid in identifying the origin of misinformation, particularly from specific IDs or groups, enabling us to take immediate action," he added.
He further emphasised, “Different cyber units dedicated to maintaining law and order are actively monitoring social media platforms. Swift legal measures are being undertaken against offenders. Everyone, regardless of their affiliation or party, will be held accountable under the law.”
Simultaneously, the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) held discussions with Facebook, TikTok, and Google earlier this year. Although various topics were deliberated upon, the primary focus was on matters pertaining to the upcoming national election.
However, specific details regarding the exact discussions, sought cooperation, or any instructions relayed to Facebook, TikTok, and Google remain undisclosed.
Dr. Mushfiq Mannan Chowdhury, Commissioner of BTRC, conveyed to The Daily Messenger, “In our meetings, Facebook, Google, and TikTok have affirmed their commitment to adhere to our requisites. They have also apprised us about their adherence protocols.”
Since June of this year, BTRC has been engaging in discussions with representatives from TikTok, Facebook, and Google. Initially, there was a meeting with TikTok, followed by one with Facebook in August. Subsequently, a meeting was conducted with Google-YouTube in September, during which the concerned parties were briefed about the forthcoming elections in Bangladesh.
Special emphasis has been placed on meticulously monitoring social media platforms to prevent misinformation or false propaganda against any entity. While numerous topics were deliberated upon, the primary focus was purportedly centred on the upcoming elections.
TikTok authorities stated, “In the upcoming parliamentary elections in Bangladesh scheduled for January 2024, billions of people are expected to cast their votes. Although TikTok is not a platform for politics or real-time news, we aim to ensure that our community has access to accurate information during election-related discussions on our app. We are committed to taking a firm stance against the dissemination of false information, incitement of violence, and hate speech.”
On November 28, Meta, the parent company of Facebook, published a report titled ‘How Meta is Planning for Elections in 2024.’ While it addressed elections in various countries for 2024, the report did not specifically mention Bangladesh.
According to the report, Meta consistently reviews and updates policies related to elections. They take prompt action against any content that violates their community standards. Their election policy encompasses the removal of content that propagates election or voter interference, hate speech, and criminal activity, among other violations.
Messenger/Disha
