In Bangladesh, as in many other countries, the government has been actively taking measures against hoax calls, fake news, and misinformation, particularly when it spreads rapidly through social media platforms and can lead to public disorder, panic, or even violence. The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) and various law enforcement agencies are at the forefront of these efforts.

Here's a breakdown of the government's actions and the warnings issued to social media platforms:

1. Increased Scrutiny and Enforcement:

Focus on Hoax Calls and Scamming: The BTRC has long been warning citizens about various types of fraud, including call spoofing and scam calls that impersonate official entities (like the BTRC itself) to extract personal or financial information. They regularly issue public awareness notices and work with mobile operators to trace and act against such activities.

Combating Misinformation and Fake News: The spread of misinformation and fake news, especially on social media, has been a significant concern, particularly during politically sensitive periods, social movements (like the recent student protests), and times of crisis (like natural disasters or health emergencies).

Legal Framework: Bangladesh has laws like the Digital Security Act (DSA), which, despite being controversial, is often used to address online crimes, including the spread of misinformation, defamation, and activities aimed at "tarnishing the image of the state." While the DSA has faced criticism for its broad scope, it remains a tool in the government's arsenal.

Fact-Checking Initiatives: Organizations like "Rumor Scanner Bangladesh" (which often works with government and non-government entities) are actively involved in identifying and debunking misinformation spread on the internet, with a significant portion found on platforms like Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram. Reports from early 2025 indicated a high prevalence of misinformation related to political issues and national affairs.


Collaboration with Law Enforcement: The BTRC works closely with law enforcement agencies (police, intelligence services) to investigate and take action against individuals or groups responsible for making hoax calls or spreading harmful misinformation. This includes tracing phone numbers and IP addresses.

2. Warnings to Social Media Platforms:

Platform Responsibility: The Bangladeshi government, similar to governments worldwide, is increasingly pressuring social media platforms to take greater responsibility for the content circulated on their sites. This includes removing harmful content, identifying and suspending accounts that repeatedly violate guidelines, and cooperating with law enforcement.

Threat of Action: Warnings often come with an implicit or explicit threat of stricter regulations, fines, or even temporary blocking/shutting down of platforms if they fail to comply with government requests or adequately address the spread of illegal or harmful content.

For example, there have been instances in Bangladesh where the interim government issued warnings to media organizations (including online platforms) about publishing misleading news, with threats of closure. While this specifically targets media outlets, the sentiment extends to social media's role in content dissemination.

Data Sharing Demands: Governments are increasingly demanding that social media companies provide user data (e.g., IP addresses, phone numbers, or content data) in investigations related to criminal activities originating from or facilitated by these platforms.

Curbing Propaganda: There have been specific warnings from authorities like the Bangladesh Army (ISPR) against propaganda and fake news targeting the military's image on social media, urging the public not to be misled by rumors and to verify information.

Engagement on Regulation: While direct censorship is controversial, the government often engages in discussions with platform representatives to establish frameworks for content moderation, quick removal of offensive material, and transparent reporting on their actions.

Challenges and Outlook:

Balancing Freedom of Speech and Security: The government faces the constant challenge of balancing freedom of speech with the need to maintain public order and national security. Critics often argue that some measures can stifle legitimate dissent or free expression.

Technical Difficulties: Tracing hoax calls, especially those using sophisticated spoofing technology or originating from abroad, remains a technical challenge for the authorities. Similarly, identifying the original source of viral misinformation on encrypted platforms or rapidly propagating networks is complex.

Public Awareness: A significant part of the strategy involves public awareness campaigns urging citizens to be vigilant, verify information before sharing, and report suspicious calls or content. UNICEF's recent youth poll in Bangladesh also highlighted misinformation as a leading cause of stress for youth on social media, underscoring the societal impact.

In essence, the Bangladeshi government is taking a more proactive and assertive stance against hoax calls and misinformation, recognizing the significant role social media platforms play in their dissemination. The warnings to these platforms reflect a global trend of governments pushing for greater accountability from tech companies in managing user-generated content.