Govt tightens measures against AI misuse

The government will continue strengthening policy and institutional measures to curb the misuse of artificial intelligence (AI), particularly the spread of rumours, misinformation, disinformation and cybercrimes through AI and deepfake technologies, Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon told Parliament on Wednesday.
Replying to a written question from opposition lawmaker Md Rafiqul Islam Khan (Sirajganj-4), the minister said the government’s efforts are aimed at protecting the integrity of digital platforms while safeguarding media freedom.
With Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Bir Bikram, in the chair, Swapon said the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is implementing a range of initiatives to combat rumours, misinformation, disinformation, confusion and cyberbullying resulting from the misuse of AI and deepfake technologies.
He said the ministry’s autonomous institution, the Press Institute Bangladesh (PIB), has been playing a key role through BanglaFact, the government’s official fact-checking, media research and analysis platform.
“So far, BanglaFact has published 860 fact-checks, analytical reports, investigative reports, videos and reels, including 306 since the current government assumed office,” he said.
The minister said BanglaFact is regularly identifying fake social media accounts, pages and groups created in the names of individuals and organisations, as well as websites and social media accounts involved in spreading false information.
“At present, BanglaFact verifies and publishes reports on an average of three to five claims every day. A Fact-Checking Manual for media professionals is also in the final stage of preparation,” he added.
Highlighting capacity-building efforts, Swapon said 141 training workshops were held in all 64 districts between October 1, 2024 and June 2026, providing training to 6,774 journalists.
Since the current government took office, 20 additional workshops have been organised, with 739 journalists receiving training in AI, digital journalism and fact-checking.
The minister said the government is working with relevant ministries and agencies to develop stronger policy and institutional mechanisms to address misinformation and cybercrimes on digital platforms while ensuring freedom of the press.