BTRC urges Google to use AI to curb betting, gambling content

The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has urged Google to introduce artificial intelligence (AI)-based measures to detect and remove betting, gambling and other illegal content from its platforms as soon as it is published.

The call was made when Google South Asia Policy Head Kyle Gardner met BTRC Chairman Maj Gen Md Emdad ul Bari (Retd) at the commission's headquarters in the capital's Agargaon today (6 September), according to a BTRC press release.

The BTRC chairman said the meeting covered various issues, including restrictions on illegal content and the commission's working model.

"We urged them to introduce effective AI-based technical measures to automatically detect and remove such content immediately after it is published," he added.

The commission also urged Google to introduce a local payment system in Bangladesh and take steps to quickly detect and remove harmful content from its various platforms.

The BTRC further called on Google to consider establishing a local office in Bangladesh, citing the large number of internet users who use the company's services and platforms.

The commission also wanted to know whether Google would introduce initiatives to establish an AI model lab, train Bangladeshi engineers in AI, support local startup entrepreneurs and enhance their innovation capabilities.

In response, Gardner said Google was interested in these areas and would review potential opportunities for cooperation.

He said there were currently some limitations to establishing a local office in Bangladesh, but assured that the matter would be considered in the future.

During the meeting, Gardner discussed expanding Google's services in Bangladesh, introducing a payment system and developing infrastructure.

He also called for regular communication and coordination with the BTRC.