The government is set to introduce significant amendments to the Cyber Security Act aimed at combating cybercrime, misinformation, online harassment and AI-generated disinformation, according to officials familiar with the proposal.

The amended law, expected to be placed before Parliament in its upcoming session, introduces stricter penalties and expands the scope of punishable cyber offences. The draft has been prepared by the Information and Communication Technology Division in consultation with relevant authorities.

Under the proposed amendments, a new Section 26A criminalizes the publication or dissemination of rumours and disinformation in cyberspace. Offenders could face up to 10 years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to Tk40 lakh, or both.

The draft defines a rumour as unverified information likely to create confusion, panic, social tension or public disorder. Disinformation is defined as intentionally false, distorted or misleading information published to deceive or harm individuals, institutions or the state.

The government also plans to address the growing misuse of artificial intelligence by introducing provisions against AI-generated fake videos, audio recordings and manipulated images used to spread false information.

The proposed amendments further expand Section 25 by introducing specific offences related to online harassment and defamation. Anyone found guilty of publishing defamatory or harassing content—including text, audio, video, graphics or AI-generated material—could face up to five years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to Tk20 lakh, or both.

If such offences target a woman or a person under the age of 18, the maximum punishment would increase to 10 years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to Tk40 lakh.

The proposed law also refers to Section 499 of the Penal Code for defining defamation.

Officials involved in the drafting process said the amendments are intended to address the increasing spread of cyberbullying, misinformation, online extortion and digital harassment, while strengthening protections for victims.

Experts note that the rapid growth of social media and AI technologies has created new challenges for law enforcement, including the circulation of manipulated content, coordinated misinformation campaigns and cyber-enabled financial crimes.

Many countries, including members of the European Union, the United States, Canada and Australia, have strengthened their legal frameworks in recent years to address online disinformation, hate speech and digital abuse.

If approved by Parliament, the amended Cyber Security Act is expected to provide law enforcement agencies with broader legal tools to investigate and prosecute cyber-related offences while enhancing protections against online harassment and malicious digital content.