Country profile

Bangladesh age-verification & online ID laws

In effect Cyber Security Act 2023 + Cyber Security Ordinance 2025 effective 2023 (rev. 2025)

Bangladesh's Cyber Security Act 2023 (successor to the 2018 Digital Security Act) and the 2025 Cyber Security Ordinance give authorities broad powers to remove online content, demand user data and prosecute online speech; the laws have repeatedly been used against journalists and critics.

Laws & bills on record

General online

In effect

Bill / statute: Cyber Security Act 2023 + Cyber Security Ordinance 2025
Status: Active law in effect
Effective: 2023 (rev. 2025) (approx.)
Intrusiveness: High -- Broad reach: low or no content threshold, device/OS-level, or bundled with other verification.

Timeline

Oct 1, 2018Digital Security Act enacted
Sep 13, 2023In effect
Sep 13, 2023Cyber Security Act replaces DSA
Jan 1, 2025Cyber Security Ordinance 2025 issued

Source: blogs.lse.ac.uk

VPN restrictions

VPN use is legal, but the government has repeatedly throttled or blocked VPN and proxy access during nationwide internet shutdowns and periods of political unrest.

Source: floppydata.com

Frequently asked questions

Does Bangladesh require online age verification?

Yes. Cyber Security Act 2023 + Cyber Security Ordinance 2025 is in effect, effective 2023 (rev. 2025). Bangladesh's Cyber Security Act 2023 (successor to the 2018 Digital Security Act) and the 2025 Cyber Security Ordinance give authorities broad powers to remove online content, demand user data and prosecute online speech; the laws have repeatedly been used ag...

Are VPNs restricted in Bangladesh?

VPN use is legal, but the government has repeatedly throttled or blocked VPN and proxy access during nationwide internet shutdowns and periods of political unrest.

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