The Digital Security Act was supposed to be a law that protects people from the many dangers that arise online. It was supposed to be a law for all citizens of the land, protecting them from online harassment and cyber-bullying, and respecting their right to privacy.
Unfortunately, this has been far from the reality that we have experienced. The Digital Security Act has been weaponized, essentially silencing people and journalists alike.
It has proven to be little beyond a draconian law, essentially used by the powerful in the country to ensure that there are little to no opposing views against them.
This goes against the very foundation of any laws that are devised; laws are not meant for VIPs to hide behind and are not meant for these people’s lackeys to file a case against anyone and everyone who they deem to have threatened the image of their superiors.
With Bangladesh developing at the pace it is, plenty of people across the country lack the digital literacy to navigate the online world safely. The protection of these ordinary people is just as important as the protection of any higher-up in society. Laws in a democracy do not discriminate and do not pick favourites.
Therefore, it is about time the authorities took note of the irregularities that continue to occur in the interpretation of our laws, particularly the Digital Security Act. Moreover, it must be emphasized that everyone deserves to be protected online, and everyone’s privacy is important. Digital security and respect for privacy must be democratic, and for everyone.
