The government has imposed a four-day deadline for social media platforms including Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok to respond to a letter concerning compliance with local regulations, the deadline is set to expire on Wednesday, when the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) will summon representatives from these platforms for explanations.
If the platforms fail to provide a satisfactory explanation, all forms of social media, including Facebook and TikTok, could remain blocked, as indicated by Junaid Ahmed Palak, state minister for Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology.
TikTok has responded to the BTRC's letter via email, addressing issues related to rumour control among other topics.
However, no response has yet been received from Facebook and YouTube, according to Minister Palak.
He shared this update at a press conference held on Tuesday at the Bangladesh Computer Council (BCC) conference room in Agargaon, Dhaka.
Palak said: “TikTok has informed us that they will explain. However, Facebook and YouTube have not yet responded. We have scheduled a meeting with them for Saturday. The government will make a decision based on their replies.”
During the press conference, Palak also mentioned that the government has not restricted internet services but noted that internet speed is slow due to the use of VPNs. To compensate freelancers for the loss caused by internet disruptions, the government will recommend providing cash-intensive support.
Palak warned of significant cyber threats in four major sectors: banking, ready-made garments, power and energy, and telecommunications.
He also proposed forming a coordinated committee to address these cyber threats. The committee will hold meetings to develop strategies to counter these risks.
The current situation began on July 16 with reduced mobile internet speeds due to the quota reform protests.
Following verbal directives from the government, 3G and 4G services were suspended on July 18.
Additionally, a fire at the Khawaja Tower data centre in Mohakhali led to a broadband internet blackout. Broadband services resumed on July 23, while mobile internet services were restored on Sunday.
