The government has completed all administrative procedures to form a special panel of lawyers aimed at ensuring swift and effective legal action against deepfakes, disinformation, and cyberbullying on social media. Prime Minister's Information and Broadcasting Adviser Dr. Zahed Ur Rahman announced that only the formal government notification remains, expected within the next one or two days. The government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against these offenses.
Dr. Rahman highlighted that the misuse of information, particularly through disinformation and cyberbullying, is a serious concern. The rapid expansion of social media has led to an alarming increase in false information, smear campaigns, and manipulated content. These activities not only damage individuals' reputations but also create social instability and pose significant threats to public safety.
Women are among the most frequent victims of cyberbullying, facing targeted insults, threats, and false campaigns. In many cases, fake images or videos are created to humiliate them publicly. Considering this reality, the government decided to establish a special legal panel under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
The legal panel will not only act upon receiving complaints but will also have the authority to initiate legal action on its own initiative when necessary. Its primary objective is to ensure legal protection for ordinary citizens and provide prompt assistance to victims. Dr. Rahman urged citizens who become victims of cyberbullying, deepfakes, disinformation, or online harassment to file complaints with the relevant authorities.
While social media provides freedom of expression, Dr. Rahman emphasized the importance of responsible use. He explained that mainstream media follows editorial verification processes before publishing news, whereas social media lacks such safeguards, allowing anyone to spread information instantly. For this reason, he urged users to be more cautious and avoid sharing information or images without verification. The government aims to make it clear that activities such as disinformation, deepfakes, and cyberbullying will not be tolerated.
