BTRC pushes Google to ramp up crackdown on illegal content

The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has pressed Google to build stronger, faster mechanisms for spotting and taking down harmful content such as betting, gambling and other illicit financial schemes from its platforms.

According to a BTRC statement, the appeal came during a meeting on Sunday at BTRC's Dhaka headquarters between Commission Chairman Maj Gen (retd) Mohammad Emdad Ul Bari and Google's Head of Public Policy for South Asia Kyle Gardner.

A study conducted by the Planning Commission's General Economics Division states that online gambling has become a fast-growing problem in the country. The report estimates more than five million Bangladeshis are already affected.

This figure might climb past 20 million by 2027 if left unchecked. According to figures published on 27 January, the market's current worth is at $62-68 million which is expanding 4.7%-6.1% a year.

To address this, Emdad proposed that Google build AI-driven detection tools capable of flagging and removing harmful posts almost as soon as they go live.

The two sides also discussed broadening Google's footprint in Bangladesh, including rolling out a payment system and pouring investment into digital infrastructure. BTRC urged the company to open a local office.

They pointed out that a large Bangladeshi user base that depends on its services and suggested that Google might also set up an AI research lab in the country which can train local engineers and back homegrown startups and investors in the field.

Gardner said Google would weigh these areas of possible collaboration. While a local office isn't feasible right now due to certain constraints, he said the company might revisit the idea down the line, saying that Google is keen to grow its service operations, build out infrastructure and deepen ties with the telecom regulator.

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The BTRC further called on Google to tighten coordination not just with the commission but with other relevant government bodies and ministries. Gardner said he welcomed the suggestions and pledged closer engagement with both the ministry and the BTRC going forward.

Representatives from BTRC's Systems and Services, and Engineering and Operations divisions were also present at the meeting.