Technological advancements have made mobile phones and internet access within the reach of the general public. However, the loss caused by cybercrime is not lessened despite its beneficial effect on livelihood. A significant number of people now use the internet as a platform to disseminate false information and misinformation.
On a regular basis, rumours, images, videos, and misleading information are disseminated among social media platform users, either purposefully or inadvertently. Although everyone has the right to express themselves, freedom of speech does not imply that one may freely distribute anything they like. The Cyber Security Act of 2023 has been enacted to reduce the amount of cybercrime that occurs inside the nation.
According to Section 25 of the Act, if any person intentionally or knowingly transmits any such information through the website or any other digital or electronic medium- which is offensive or intimidating, despite the lie,if he/she sends, publishes, or disseminates any information or data in order to annoy, insult, defame, or demean any person, he/she shall be subject to a maximum imprisonment of two (2) years. Alternatively, the offender shall be subject to a maximum penalty of three lacks BDT or shall be penalized in both of these options.
Additionally, if the goal is to: degrade the image or reputation of the state; generate confusion; and disseminate material that is either incorrect or deceptive.
Whoever publishes, disseminates, or facilitates the publication of any material in a manner that is either wholly or substantially distorted will be penalized with the same sentence as described above.
If the offender publishes or disseminates defamatory material, as stated in Section 499 of the Penal Code (Act No. XLV of 1860) stipulates a maximum punishment of twenty-five lakh taka, as stated in Section 29 of the 'Cyber Security Act, 2023'. This is stated whether the individual uses the internet or any other electronic format under the Penal Code.
Additionally, Section 31 stipulates that if anyone will fully publishes, transmits, or performs anything on the internet or digital media, which is committing the following offenses: they are causing enmity amongst various classes or groups that are involved; they are causing hate or ill will; they are destroying community peace; if the state of law and order deteriorates or is on the verge of deteriorating
For the offenses mentioned above, causing instability or disarray might result in the offender spending up to five years in jail, and the maximum penalty possible is BDT 25 lakhs. Both will be subject to the punishment.
According to Section 34, anyone who, with the intention of harming another person, initiates or assists in the filing of a false case or complaint against another person under any other section of this Act will face the same punishment as for the original offense.
In order to safeguard oneself, one's community, and one's nation from the potentially harmful impacts of rumours, it is of the utmost importance to exercise caution while dealing with rumours. Rumours are spreading at an unprecedented rate in this era of digital technology. Through media literacy, fact-checking of information, appropriate use of social media, openness, and open conversation, those who are committed to reducing the harmful effect that rumours have on our lives and society may work together to accomplish this goal. Using this method, we may progress toward a more aware and peaceful world by harnessing the power of communication through implementing good change.
The writer is a Student of LLB, University of Chittagong
