Cambodia to Strengthen Response to AI-Generated Disinformation, Information Officials Urged to Enhance Skills

Cambodia's government is strongly urging information and public opinion officials to enhance their capabilities to counter the risks posed by the malicious use of rapidly evolving artificial intelligence (AI) technology for spreading disinformation. At the closing ceremony of a training session titled "Strengthening Public Opinion Work and Countering Disinformation in the Age of Artificial Intelligence" held in Udor Mean Chey province on August 8, Mr. Svay Sitha, Chairman of the National Committee for Information and Public Opinion Coordination (NCIPC) and Deputy Prime Minister, instructed regional information officials to improve their sense of responsibility in carrying out their duties and to further promote the use of social media. Mr. Svay Sitha pointed out that social media is an indispensable tool for disseminating information and monitoring public opinion trends. He stated that timely information gathering and understanding are crucial for effectively responding to citizens' concerns and fulfilling accountability, and that countering disinformation generated by AI is an urgent priority. During the training, Mr. Pen Bona, Director of the Royal Government Spokesperson Unit and Permanent Vice-Chairman of the NCIPC, and Ms. Mak Rathmony, a senior expert from the NCIPC Secretariat, served as speakers, sharing specialized knowledge on disinformation countermeasures. Deputy Prime Minister Svay Sitha emphasized that strengthening the information and public opinion formation mechanism, particularly by improving media efficiency and public education, plays an extremely vital role in maintaining social, political, and national peace and stability in an era of increasing global uncertainty. He also called on the information and public opinion officials from Udor Mean Chey province who participated in the training to unite as a team and to carry out their duties based on the principle of "efficiency of a single actor system" through cooperation at all levels, from the provincial down to the district, commune, and village levels. The training session concluded in a smooth and friendly atmosphere. Source: CEN Cambodia