Cambodia Emphasizes Regional Cooperation in Combating Fake News

Phnom Penh, September 18, 2026 -- Minister of Information Net Pheaktra has affirmed that the regional forum on combating fake news is a platform that provides significant benefits to residents in the region. Speaking to reporters after the Media Forum on Fighting Fake News and the 2026 Content Creator Award Ceremony on the afternoon of September 17, 2026, he highlighted that countries in the Mekong sub-region, including Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, and China, are working together to combat fake news. "Fake news knows no borders and is not a problem exclusive to Cambodia. It is a problem for all of us, and its effects damage people's emotions, thoughts, and decision-making, leading to various other issues. Therefore, the Royal Government of Cambodia, through the Ministry of Information and relevant ministries and institutions, is striving to disseminate information to the public and work together to prevent it," the Minister stated. He added that through cooperation with other countries, networks of journalists and administrative bodies are being built, enabling the exchange and sharing of information about fake news, thereby jointly preventing and defending against disinformation from specific countries. "The fight against fake news is because some individuals use false information for political purposes to destroy relationships or the economy. We are making efforts to respond quickly and not allow fake news to lead the way. As soon as we detect fake news, we must immediately flag it as fake news, then jointly explain and clarify to the public, preventing its spread and explaining that this information is not true," he elaborated. During the event, the Minister noted that the Chinese Embassy raised concerns about numerous fake news reports regarding China-Cambodia relations, which he described as untrue. He emphasized the severity of the current information war, stating that fabricated information is used to distort facts. If the public or citizens do not receive comprehensive information or fail to verify it, negative consequences will arise. Cambodia has launched a campaign to combat fake news, with the Ministry of Information's primary goal being to enhance citizens' knowledge about what constitutes fake news and how to protect themselves, such as by verifying sources, checking the accuracy of information, and examining its origin and dissemination. The Minister also pointed out the recent increase in fake news, particularly related to the Cambodia-Thailand border, where some parties have created and infiltrated fake news into Cambodian society from abroad, including from Thailand. "This is why the Royal Government of Cambodia, through the Ministry of Information, is promoting official information sources, urging citizens to rely on them to receive true and accurate information. For other sources, even if the information appears true, it is best to wait for confirmation from official channels first," he stressed. Source: AKP Khmer