Cambodia Strengthens Citizen Protection with Second Phase of Anti-Fake News Campaign

The Ministry of Information of Cambodia announced that the second phase of the 'Say No to Fake News' campaign has become a crucial shield in protecting citizens, especially the youth, from disinformation and malicious exploitation. Speaking to journalists at Bun Rany Hun Sen Chariya Wong High School in Kep Province on the morning of July 10, 2026, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Information highlighted in a summarized report on the results of the 'Say No to Fake News' campaign, phase two, that this national campaign has become a significant protective shield for citizens, particularly the youth who are the core force of society, helping them avoid the dangers of fake news, distorted reporting, and malicious political exploitation. It has also significantly contributed to maintaining social stability and strengthening public trust in the government's leadership. His Excellency Tep Asnarith, Undersecretary of State and Spokesperson for the Ministry of Information, stated that since the campaign's launch on May 18, 2026, it has been implemented in 25 major high schools and secondary schools across 10 provinces and capitals: Phnom Penh, Preah Vihear, Takeo, Kampong Speu, Kampot, Pursat, Kampong Thom, Siem Reap, Kampong Cham, and Kep, with tens of thousands of students participating. His Excellency added that the campaign is continuing its progress towards other high schools and secondary schools in all provinces throughout the Kingdom of Cambodia. He noted that every step forward by the campaign contributes to building resilience against fabricated and distorted reporting, fostering the habit of verifying with real news sources, and protecting national information security. The spokesperson mentioned that the campaign has disseminated approximately over 20,582 pieces of informational and educational content through state and private media, both traditional and modern, which have been further shared by citizens and communities. Social media activities related to the campaign have received public support, with a total of nearly 2 million views and shares. His Excellency stated that in collaboration with the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, the campaign has sent educational messages via the TRC-SMS system to mobile phone users nationwide, ensuring penetration across all segments of society. Concurrently, the campaign has expanded its reach through educational messages displayed on billboards and LED screens along roads and in important public places to further enhance public awareness. His Excellency the Undersecretary emphasized that the campaign has played a vital role in reducing negative impacts and protecting citizens from various dangers caused by disinformation, malinformation, and content generated by artificial intelligence (AI). Furthermore, the campaign has significantly contributed to enhancing information security and strengthening citizens' trust in leadership, especially during times of armed conflict due to the Thai military's invasion of Cambodian territory and in the post-ceasefire period. His Excellency the spokesperson concluded that these tangible results demonstrate that this national campaign is not only a robust shield against fake news nationwide but also actively plays a role in protecting citizens, especially the youth, who constitute approximately 68 percent of the total population, from the schemes of fake news, malicious political exploitation, online scams, cyberbullying, and personal data theft in the digital era. By: Bunrith © All rights reserved by National Television of Cambodia, 2018