Cambodia Warns of Information Warfare in AI Era, Citing Digital Tech's Double-Edged Sword and Trust Challenges

The Minister of Information of Cambodia, Net Pheaktra, has emphasized that digital technology, social media, and artificial intelligence (AI) are creating numerous opportunities for innovation, education, public participation, knowledge sharing, and people-to-people connections, while also presenting significant impacts. Speaking at a media forum on combating fake news and the Content Creator of the Year award in 2026, held in Phnom Penh on September 17, 2026, Minister Pheaktra highlighted that false or misleading information can spread across borders in mere seconds, using various languages and networks. Fabricated images, videos, and audio can be sent to millions before verification, and rumors can escalate during crises. He noted that the use of Generative AI, artificial news, and deepfake technology is making it increasingly difficult to distinguish between real and fake content. Consequently, information integrity is no longer just a media sector issue but is more closely linked to public trust, social harmony, governance, national resilience, regional confidence, peace, and sustainable development. Minister Pheaktra stressed that the responsibility cannot be limited to correcting false information after it has spread. An information ecosystem resilient from the planning stage is necessary—one where citizens can access trustworthy information, professional media adheres to high standards, public relations institutions are effective, technology is used responsibly, and people possess critical thinking skills. Cambodia believes this system must be balanced, practical, inclusive, and people-centered. Measures to address misleading and fake information should strengthen freedom of expression, access to information, and the vital role of professional journalism. The goal is not only to reduce false information but to expand the scope of information discovery, access, and the credibility of trustworthy news. The minister affirmed Cambodia's firm commitment to this goal. Through the Ministry of Information, efforts continue to strengthen campaigns against fake news, enhance media and digital literacy, promote professional journalism, encourage responsible content creation, ensure timely public communication, and foster cooperation among government institutions, media organizations, journalists, educators, youth, social media influencers, digital networks, and the public. Cambodia's experience has proven a simple lesson: in the digital age, information vacuums will not remain empty for long. When official information is delayed, rumors and fabricated content will fill the void. Therefore, public institutions have a duty to communicate in a timely, clear, consistent, accurate, credible, and accessible manner. Journalists and media organizations are indispensable partners in building public trust. Source verification, fact-checking, accuracy, context, professional ethics, and timely corrections remain the fundamental principles of responsible journalism. Thus, the message is simple: 'Verify before broadcasting, verify before sharing.' Citizens must learn to question and inquire when encountering suspicious information, evaluate sources, identify manipulated content, and make responsible decisions before sharing. Special focus should be placed on youth, students, communities in rural and border areas, and groups with limited access to official information. Citizens who receive comprehensive information are crucial partners in protecting information integrity. Source: AKP Khmer