On August 11, 2026, the Chairman of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC), Major General (retd) Md Emdad-ul-Bari, emphasized the importance of collective action in preventing the spread of rumors on social media. During a views-exchange meeting in Rangpur, Bari highlighted that while freedom of expression is essential, it must be balanced with social responsibility.
Social Responsibility Over Technology
Bari argued that the reliance on technology alone to filter out false information is insufficient. He noted that many videos created with artificial intelligence (AI) have been circulating on social media, leading to widespread misinformation. Despite efforts to use technology to combat these fake videos, Bari believes that societal engagement is key to effectively addressing the issue.
Public Awareness and Education
At the meeting, various issues such as networking problems in Rangpur city, health concerns due to mobile tower radiation, and recommendations for improving internet service quality were discussed. Bari pointed out that public awareness is crucial in identifying and rejecting false information, citing instances where people failed to distinguish between true and false videos.
He emphasized that society itself needs to take proactive steps to prevent the spread of rumors, as technological measures alone may not be effective. Bari's call to action aims to foster a more informed and vigilant public, capable of identifying and countering misinformation.
Implications for Bangladesh
The BTRC Chairman's remarks underscore the importance of public education and awareness in combating misinformation. This approach is particularly relevant in Bangladesh, where social media plays a significant role in shaping public opinion and influencing societal norms.
By encouraging collective action, Bari aims to create a more resilient society that can effectively address the challenges posed by misinformation on social media platforms.
