Bangladesh May Temporarily Suspend Facebook and YouTube Operations

The government of Bangladesh may temporarily suspend the operations of major social media platforms, including Facebook and YouTube, if they fail to comply with government directives to curb the spread of misinformation, reports the Dhaka Tribune, citing Mozammel Haque, head of the government's law and order commission.

This information was relayed by RIA Novosti. Haque stated, “These social media platforms are not taking action against rumors and cybercrimes despite government complaints. Since Facebook and YouTube do not have offices in Bangladesh, they do not heed our suggestions and directives.”

He emphasized that according to the provisions of the social media law, any complaints received must be investigated and appropriate measures taken, “but they do not investigate our complaints and do not take action.”

Haque added that media giants would be informed about their non-compliance with government directives, and if they continue to disregard the requirements, the government might resort to publishing notices in newspapers indicating their failures before taking any action. Additionally, public notifications will be sent to these companies so that they cannot file complaints about the restrictions on their rights.