Monday | 13 January 2025 | Reg No- 06
বাংলা
   
Monday | 13 January 2025 | Epaper
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Legal steps could be used to stem fake news on digital platforms

Published : Monday, 13 January, 2025 at 12:00 AM  Count : 189
Surja Mandal
In the current digital age, the supply and flow of information has increased so rapidly that news is spreading all over the world in an instant. However, a serious problem has been associated with this flow of information fake news. This fake news is being widely spread on social media, blogs, online news portals and other digital platforms, which is causing unrest, confusion and political unrest in society. In particular, a 2023 survey showed that fake news has an impact on about 30% of the 50 million social media users.

The spread of fake news is not only affecting people's personal lives, but it is also having a serious impact on national security and peace. It is becoming a powerful tool for creating religious incitement, communal violence and political violence. For example, in 2019, the spread of a fake news story led to communal violence in some parts of Bangladesh, which caused a major disaster for the nation.
Legal measures to prevent fake news have become very urgent. The Bangladesh government has already enacted the Digital Security Act, 2018, which provides for punishment for spreading false or harmful information through digital media. Section 25 of this act clearly states that if anyone spreads false or misleading information through digital media, he can be punished with 3 years of imprisonment or a fine of 3 lakh taka. In addition, if he hurts religious sentiments, he can be punished with 5 years of imprisonment or a fine of 10 lakh taka.
In addition, Section 57 of the Information and Communication Technology Act, 2006 (amended 2013) also provides for strict punishment for fake news. The maximum punishment for spreading false or defamatory information is 14 years of imprisonment or a fine of 1 crore taka. However, the implementation of these laws is still challenging. Lack of technological capacity, lack of public awareness and weak law enforcement are creating these obstacles.

In such a situation, the role of fact-checking platforms is very important. Fact-checking platforms are being used worldwide to identify fake news and provide accurate information. International platforms like FactCheck.org, PolitiFact, and Snopes are playing an effective role against fake news. FactWatch Bangladesh and other fact-checking platforms have emerged in Bangladesh as well, but more work needs to be done in this area as well. The contribution of such platforms is immense in identifying misinformation spread on local news and social media platforms and providing accurate information to the public.

Technological development is very necessary to prevent the spread of fake news. The technological capabilities of cybercrime units and other law enforcement agencies should be further improved. Modern technology should be taken to fight against cybercrime and fake news. It is possible to identify the source of fake news using data analytics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. By training law enforcement agencies in such technologies, effective steps can be taken against fake news.

In addition, it is important to create public awareness to increase digital literacy. The general public often shares fake news without verifying it. Therefore, training on digital security and fact-checking can be provided to students in schools, colleges, and universities. The government should inform the public about the dangers of fake news through various campaigns and workshops. By doing so, they can become aware and spread accurate information.

In addition, it is necessary to further strengthen the policies of social media platforms against fake news in digital media. Fake news can be identified and prevented by coordinating with other platforms including Facebook, Twitter, YouTube. If the policies of these platforms are effectively implemented, it will help prevent the spread of fake news.

The importance of digital security, fake news, and fact-checking can be discussed among university students during the research and writing phase. By creating awareness among them about the issue, they will be able to deal with such problems in the future.

On the other hand, international cooperation can play a major role in preventing fake news. If different countries of the world work together, it is possible to stop the process of spreading fake news through digital media. Through these steps, a safe and accurate information-based digital environment can be ensured.

Finally, the spread of fake news on digital platforms has become a challenge for today's society. It not only causes public confusion, but can also affect state security and peace and order. Although some legal steps have been taken to prevent fake news in Bangladesh, further development of technical skills, public awareness and international cooperation is needed. If we disseminate accurate information, take legal steps and increase technical capacity to solve this problem, we will be able to build a safe digital society. Therefore, we all need to work together to prevent the spread of fake news and ensure that accurate information reaches the society.

The writer is an LL.B. Student, Department Of Law, World University of Bangladesh


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