Bangladesh Sees Rise in RSS Feed Usage Amid Information Access Concerns

DHAKA – Bangladesh is witnessing a growing, though still relatively niche, adoption of Really Simple Syndication (RSS) feeds as citizens and organizations seek alternative methods of accessing information, particularly in light of increasing concerns about platform censorship and algorithm-driven content filtering. While traditional social media platforms remain dominant, the use of RSS readers and aggregators is gaining traction among journalists, researchers, and tech-savvy individuals seeking direct access to news sources.

RSS feeds allow users to subscribe to updates from websites without needing to visit them directly. Instead, an RSS reader collects updates from multiple sources, presenting them in a centralized location. This contrasts with social media platforms where content is curated by algorithms and users are often presented with information based on their past behavior and preferences. For many, this algorithmic filtering is seen as creating ‘filter bubbles’ and limiting exposure to diverse viewpoints.

The increase in RSS adoption in Bangladesh is partially driven by concerns over the reliability of information circulating on social media. The spread of misinformation and disinformation, particularly during elections and periods of social unrest, has led some to seek more direct and verifiable sources of news. RSS feeds, by providing direct access to the original content published by news organizations, offer a degree of control and transparency not always available on social media.

“People are becoming increasingly aware of how their news feeds are being manipulated,” says Shahriar Rahman, a Dhaka-based tech blogger. “RSS allows you to cut out the middleman and get the news directly from the source. It’s about reclaiming control over your information diet.”

Beyond individual users, several Bangladeshi news organizations are actively promoting their RSS feeds as a way to reach a wider audience. While many established outlets have offered RSS feeds for years, there’s been a renewed emphasis on highlighting this functionality as a means of bypassing potential censorship or platform restrictions. This is particularly relevant given recent government regulations concerning online content and the increasing scrutiny of social media platforms.

Internationally, the use of RSS has experienced a resurgence in recent years, fueled by similar concerns about algorithmic bias and platform control. The closure of popular RSS reader Google Reader in 2013 initially led to a decline in usage, but several alternative readers have emerged, catering to a growing demand for direct access to information. Platforms like Feedly, Inoreader, and NewsBlur have gained popularity, offering features such as content filtering, keyword tracking, and social sharing.

Experts suggest the growth of podcasting has also contributed to the renewed interest in RSS. Many podcasts distribute their episodes via RSS feeds, allowing listeners to subscribe and receive updates automatically. This has familiarized a wider audience with the technology and its benefits.

However, RSS is not without its limitations. It requires users to actively seek out and subscribe to feeds, which can be time-consuming. It also lacks the social interaction and community features that are integral to social media platforms. Furthermore, some websites actively discourage the use of RSS, either by not providing feeds or by making them difficult to find.

Despite these challenges, the trend towards RSS adoption in Bangladesh and globally suggests a growing desire for more control over information access. As concerns about algorithmic bias and platform censorship continue to mount, RSS feeds offer a viable alternative for those seeking a more direct and transparent news experience.