‘Regulations should be industry-friendly’

Experts have said that the regulations for social media, Over-The-Top (OTT) and other digital platforms should be industry-friendly so that there is no implementation of self-censorship.

They made the recommendation at a seminar, titled “Regulation of Digital, Social Media & OTT Platforms: The Need to Strike the Right Balance,” organised by the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) at its office auditorium in Dhaka on Saturday.

Their call came at a time when a draft has been developed by the government to finalise the regulations on social media, OTT and other digital platforms.

BongoBD Co-founder and Director Navidul Huq said the regulations should be supportive of the industry. Regulations should not be a reason for fear. “They should be supportive of any industry and not stifle the voice of the people.”

The government should also put emphasis on data and copyrights issues, he said. FBCCI President Jashim Uddin said, “We have to stay alert so that the flourishing of the potential sector is not shrunk by regulations. Besides, we should utilise the opportunities created by the digitalisation of the country.”

He also urged the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to make the regulations clearer so that no complications arise in future.

Addressing the seminar, FBCCI Director Syed Almas Kabir said the global OTT platform market size is around $178 billion and it is likely to reach $275 billion by 2027. “So, the regulations must facilitate the local companies to strengthen Bangladesh’s position in this market.”

Presenting the keynote paper, Barrister Rashna Imam said it’s a global trend to regulate these platforms but the right regulatory framework is of critical importance to the ongoing evolution of digital media in the country.

“Extensive and meaningful consultations with all stakeholders are needed before redrafting. The technical, operational and functional differences between internet-based service providers must be taken into account,” she pointed out.

Rashna also stated that any regulatory framework that does not strike the right balance will either put the brakes on the digital economy or threaten the safety and security of consumers and society at large.

A combination of soft regulation and self-regulation is the way forward, she added.

Post and Telecommunication Minister Mustafa Jabbar said the 5G home network will be launched in the country by January 2023. “You [businesses] should prepare for the fifth industrial revolution (5IR) to reap its benefits as the 4IR is nearing its end.”

“There is a regulatory policy as Facebook and YouTube abide by the USA’s standard community. So many contents are inconsistent considering Bangladesh’s pragmatic situation. The regulation is essential to ensure the contents in these platforms are safe,” he added.

Jabba also said that the government believes in freedom of speech and personal freedom. “We only won’t abide by any activity against the state and constitution.”