The Digital Security Act, later rebadged as the Cyber Security Act (CSA), is one of the most heinous of laws that was enacted by Sheikh Hasina’s government. At once used to stifle any and all criticism of the Awami League government and curb any form of dissent, the CSA was a gag law in all but name or even intention.
The CSA is one of the remnants of the AL government’s policy failures -- not only was the law weaponized against critics of the government, it dealt an irreparable damage to Bangladesh’s news and journalism landscape by lodging false cases against journalists simply trying to do their jobs.
While the intention behind laws such as the CSA were sound, at least on paper, the reality was anything but. As Bangladesh quite rapidly saw internet penetration advance, the need for laws which protect internet users’ privacy and security while on the information highway became all the more pertinent -- however the CSA did anything but protect users from bad actors.
Yes, we still need cyber security laws, but ones which actually ensure the safety and security of the people, not laws which can be twisted to stifle freedom of expression and instill a sense of fear and oppression among them.
There are no two ways about it: The CSA has to be completely eliminated and replaced with newer laws which prioritize data protection and privacy of the increasing number of Bangladeshis logging onto the internet. With the interim government already having shown an immense capacity to listen to people, we strongly urge the administration to scupper the CSA without delay.
A new Bangladesh deserves new laws to keep us all safe.