Concerns have been raised by journalists, lawyers, and human rights advocates over proposed amendments to the Cyber Security Act, which they say could be used to curtail free speech. The draft legislation includes provisions related to misinformation, defamation, content blocking, and powers of arrest, prompting fears of potential misuse by authorities.

At a seminar organized by the Broadcast Journalists Center (BJC), with technical assistance from BBC Media Action, participants criticized the draft for its vague language and lack of clear legal procedures. They called for clearer distinctions between cybersecurity, cybercrime, and online expression within the legal framework to prevent overlapping enforcement powers.

Zahed ur Rahman, Information and Broadcasting Adviser, acknowledged that the draft law remains under review and emphasized that the government is open to feedback from stakeholders. Despite this, prominent media figures expressed serious concerns. Newspaper Owners’ Association President Matiur Rahman Chowdhury and The Daily Star Editor Mahfuz Anam warned that the proposed amendments could foster self-censorship and further restrict freedom of expression.

Senior Supreme Court lawyer Sara Hossain advocated for the decriminalization of defamation, an element currently embedded in the proposed law. Many speakers highlighted the risks presented by authorities’ potential to block online content, revoke media licenses, and carry out arrests without prior warrants. These measures, they argued, require stringent safeguards, independent oversight, and accessible remedies to prevent abuse.

Recommendations from the seminar included refraining from broadly criminalizing rumors, mandating written explanations for content removal, and providing compensation mechanisms for unlawful actions taken under the cyber law. Participants stressed that ambiguous provisions might lead to harassment, intimidation, and suppression of dissent, undermining democratic freedoms.

The debate reflects ongoing tensions between ensuring cybersecurity and protecting civil liberties, as the government considers revisions intended to regulate the digital sphere while balancing concerns about misuse of power.