The draft regulations on Digital, Social Media and OTT platforms are like 'cutting off the whole head to get rid of a headache', observed Dr Iftekharuzzaman, executive director of Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB).
He said TIB thinks the draft regulations on Digital, Social Media and OTT platforms prepared by the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) will violate basic rights protected in the Constitution, including freedom of speech.
"Although the regulations were said to be formed to make online platforms risk-free, the decision is like cutting off the whole head to get rid of a headache," he said.
He added if these regulations are finalised, the constitutional rights of the people will be violated.
He made the observations at a virtual press conference on the draft policy titled "The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission Regulation for Digital, Social Media and OTT Platforms 2021" on Sunday.
The TIB urged the government to finalise the draft regulations in consultation with the industry players, civil society members, community leaders and users.
The draft is in conflict with the entire Constitution, said Dr Iftekharuzzaman, adding, "Therefore, it should not be amended, rather it has to be scrapped whole and a new draft has to be prepared."
He said some clauses in the draft are vague and not well defined.
According to the extended title of the draft regulations, the intention appears to be to regulate digital media, social media, and OTT platforms, he added.
On the other hand, clause 1 (3) states that the draft regulations shall apply to internet-based service providers delivering content, a service, or an application provided to end-user over the public internet, said the TIB ED.
"We note that the draft regulations do not define the terms 'internet-based service provider', 'service', or 'application', making it difficult to ascertain the scope of the draft regulations' application," he added.
According to the section 7.03 of the regulations, it has to be ensured that messaging service providers are able to identify everyone who avails their services.
bdsmile@gmail.com