Call to counter misinformation on social media amid rising instability

The Bangladesh Mobile Phone Consumers' Association (BMPCA) has urged the government to take immediate measures to curb the spread of rumours and provocative content on social media platforms such as Facebook and YouTube.

The association believes these efforts are critical to reducing the current socio-political unrest and its detrimental effects on the economy.

In a press statement, BMPCA President Mohiuddin Ahmed highlighted that since the interim government assumed office on 8 August, the dissemination of unverified and incendiary content, originating both domestically and from abroad, has significantly contributed to instability.

This has hindered economic progress by affecting business activities and discouraging investment.

Ahmed noted that content from certain foreign sources, including neighbouring countries' media outlets and expatriates of Bangladeshi origin, aims to provoke unrest and spread misinformation among citizens.

"It is the government's responsibility to ensure national security and stability by halting the dissemination of such content," he said, urging prompt action, especially during the transitional phase of revising the country's digital and cyber security laws.

Recommendations to Combat Misinformation

The association proposed a series of measures to address the issue:

1. Awareness Campaigns

Education and Outreach: Schools, colleges, and media organisations should teach the public to identify false information.

2. Reliable Information Channels

Government Data Hub: Ensure timely and accurate dissemination of critical information.

3. Rapid Response Mechanisms

Specialised Teams: Deploy units to identify and counter misinformation swiftly.

Hotline and Reporting Systems: Enable citizens to report suspicious content easily.

4. Responsible Media Practices

Verified Reporting: Ensure media outlets publish well-scrutinised news.

Awareness Campaigns: Promote ways to identify misinformation through regular programming.

5. Community Engagement

Social Responsibility Initiatives: Involve community leaders and religious organisations in fighting misinformation.

Family Awareness: Foster discussions within households to educate individuals about responsible online behaviour.

6. Technological Surveillance

AI and Algorithms: Use advanced technologies to monitor and identify the spread of misinformation.

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Dedicated Apps: Develop platforms to detect and combat false narratives.

7. Legislative Reform

Enhanced Legal Framework: Introduce policies to make existing laws more effective against misinformation.

Joint Efforts

The BMPCA stressed that combating misinformation requires collective action from the government, regulatory bodies like BTRC and NTMC, mobile network operators (MNOs), internet service providers (ISPs), and other stakeholders.

They called for greater participation from both public and private sectors in raising awareness and maintaining societal harmony.