Dhaka: Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) Chairman Maj Gen Md Emdad ul Bari (Retd) today urged Google to take more effective measures to prevent criminals from using its platforms to promote betting, gambling, and other illegal financial activities. He emphasized the need for introducing technical measures using artificial intelligence (AI) to detect and remove such content immediately after it is published.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the BTRC chairman made this appeal during a meeting with Google's South Asia Policy Head Kyle Gardner at the BTRC headquarters. During the meeting, Gardner discussed the expansion of Google's services in Bangladesh, the introduction of a payment system, and infrastructure development. He also highlighted the importance of maintaining regular communication and coordination with the BTRC.
The BTRC stressed the need for quick detection and removal of harmful content from Google's platforms and the introduction of a local payment system in Bangladesh. They urged Google to prevent its platforms from being used for illegal financial activities. The BTRC chairman suggested the use of AI to automatically identify and remove such content as soon as it appears.
Additionally, the BTRC called on Google to expand its business in Bangladesh, considering the significant number of internet users in the country who rely on Google's services. They inquired whether Google could introduce separate services for establishing an AI model lab, training Bangladeshi engineers in AI, developing local startup entrepreneurs, and encouraging investment in this sector.
In response, Gardner expressed interest in these areas and stated that Google would review potential cooperation. He acknowledged current limitations to establishing a local office in Bangladesh but assured that the matter would be considered in the future.
The BTRC advised Google to develop effective partnerships with the commission and relevant government offices to expand cooperation between Google and the government. Gardner welcomed the BTRC's views and expressed his commitment to working closely with the relevant ministries and the BTRC.
The meeting was also attended by BTRC Systems and Services Department Director General Brig Gen Shahzad Pervez Mohiuddin, Engineering and Operations Department Director General Brig Gen Shafiul Azam Parvez, Systems and Services Department Director Lt Colonel Md. Kamrul Hasan Mamun, and Deputy Director SM Taifur Rahman.