Info Minister: Laws to be updated to keep pace with evolving digital landscape

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon on Sunday said the laws, rules and policies under his ministry will be updated to keep pace with the rapid advancement of technology and the expanding digital ecosystem.

He said the government would also enact new legislation where necessary to address emerging challenges in the digital landscape.

The minister made the remarks while chairing a meeting at the ministry's conference room to discuss the revision of existing laws and the formulation of new legislation.

Swapon directed officials to examine the legal frameworks adopted by other countries and prepare practical, up-to-date recommendations tailored to Bangladesh's needs.

He noted that digital technology has become an integral part of people's daily lives, influencing communication, behaviour and social interactions.

"While technology has brought enormous benefits, it has also created new risks and challenges. Addressing these issues through an effective legal framework is now essential," he said.

The minister said the ministry has already begun reviewing all laws, rules, regulations and policies under its jurisdiction to determine which require modernization, where new legislation is needed and which areas remain without adequate legal coverage.

He observed that the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting had traditionally focused on print and broadcast media, but the rapid growth of digital platforms and the wider digital ecosystem has led to the emergence of many new forms of media that are not covered by existing laws.

"It is therefore imperative to modernize the country's legal framework in line with these changing realities," he said.

Swapon noted that the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia and the United States have already introduced laws to regulate digital platforms and tackle technology-related challenges.

He said ministry officials have been tasked with studying those legal frameworks and international experiences to help develop an effective regulatory structure suited to Bangladesh's context.

The minister also stressed that establishing an orderly regulatory framework for cyberspace, digital transmission and technology-based services would require coordinated efforts from both government and private-sector stakeholders.

He called for consultations with relevant government agencies, technology experts, telecommunications authorities and infrastructure-related institutions while formulating the new legal framework.

Swapon further instructed officials to identify emerging challenges in a timely manner, determine the stakeholders involved, clearly define responsibilities and seek expert advice whenever necessary.

Information and Broadcasting Secretary Mahbuba Farzana, Additional Secretary Shah Alam, members of the ministry's legal panel and other senior officials attended the meeting.