Bangladesh
Asia
Age Verification Compliance Overview
This page provides comprehensive age verification and compliance information for Bangladesh. Our research team continuously monitors regulatory changes, enforcement actions, and legal developments to ensure businesses have access to up-to-date compliance intelligence.
Bangladesh has implemented a complete prohibition on age-restricted adult content, classified as "Banned". This ban typically includes website blocking, payment processing restrictions, and potential criminal penalties for violations. Businesses should not attempt to operate in this jurisdiction without explicit legal counsel, as enforcement may include criminal prosecution, substantial fines, and reputational damage.
The information below includes regulatory status, legal requirements, enforcement mechanisms, penalties for non-compliance, acceptable verification methods, and relevant regulatory authorities. This data is essential for platforms, content providers, and businesses that need to implement age-appropriate access controls or verify user ages.
Please note: Adult content access is currently prohibited in Bangladesh. This ban may affect website accessibility, payment processing, and service availability. Businesses should consult legal counsel before operating in this jurisdiction.
Minimum Age
N/A (Banned)
Content is completely prohibited
Age Gate Required
No
No verification required
Last Verified
10/12/2025
Most recent data update
Regulatory Timeline
Historical changes and upcoming regulatory events
- Banned
Digital Security Act, 2018 repealed: The Digital Security Act, 2018, was repealed and replaced by the Cyber Security Act, 2023.
- Banned
Draft BTRC Regulation for Digital, Social Media and OTT Platforms, 2021 published: The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) published a draft regulation to govern online content, including provisions for content removal, automated filters, and 'first originator' identification for messaging services.
- Banned
Bangladesh blocks 20,000 websites in anti-porn 'war': As part of an ongoing 'war' against indecency, Bangladeshi authorities blocked almost 20,000 websites, including pornography and gambling sites, under orders from the telecommunications regulator.
- Banned
High Court orders blocking of pornography websites: Bangladesh's High Court directed the government to block pornography websites and publication of obscene materials in electronic forms for six months, initiating a major crackdown.
- Banned
Digital Security Act, 2018 became effective: The Digital Security Act, 2018, officially commenced, expanding and reinforcing content restrictions previously found in Section 57 of the ICT Act.
- Banned
Digital Security Act, 2018 passed by Parliament: The Digital Security Act was passed, aiming to prevent the spread of racism, extremism, and hatred, and allowing punishment for content deemed pornographic or inappropriate.
- Banned
Information and Communication Technology Act, 2006 amended: Amendments to the ICT Act allowed police to detain suspects without warrants and increased jail time, making many offenses non-bailable and increasing penalties.
- Banned
Pornography Control Act, 2012 approved and became effective: The government of Bangladesh approved and enacted the Pornography Control Act, 2012, prohibiting the carrying, exchanging, using, selling, marketing, distributing, preserving, and filming of pornography.
- Banned
Proposal for Pornography Control Act reported: News reports indicated a proposal for a Pornography Control Act with severe penalties, including up to 10 years imprisonment.
- Banned
Information and Communication Technology Act, 2006 enacted: This act included provisions (like Section 57) that made it illegal to post provocative, defamatory, or religiously offensive material online, which could be applied to adult content.
- Banned
Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulation Act, 2001 enacted: This act empowered the BTRC to regulate telecommunications and internet services, including content blocking.
Data Sources
Legal documents and references supporting this data
Showing 5 of 11 sources
uk.news.yahoo.comcountry-bans-internet-pornography-part-war-indecency-100000305.html
igamingtoday.combangladesh-online-gambling-ban-under-zero-tolerance-policy
aljazeera.combangladesh-blocks-20000-websites-in-anti-porn-war
en.wikipedia.orgPornography_laws_by_region
bn.wikipedia.org%E0%A6%AA%E0%A6%B0%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%A8%E0%A7%8B%E0%A6%97%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%BE...
All sources are evaluated for credibility and relevance. Primary sources indicate official legal documents and government publications. Credibility scores reflect source reliability based on jurisdiction, publication authority, and verification status.
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Regulatory Authorities
Regulator contacts will appear here as they become available.