Cambodia Reaffirms Commitment to Combating Fake News and Elevating Media Literacy

AKP Phnom Penh, September 17, 2026 -- Cambodian Information Minister H.E. Neth Pheaktra emphasised on Thursday that the country remains steadfast in its target to combat fake news while enhancing media literacy, digital capability, and professional journalism. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Zero Fake News Media Forum and Award Contest 2026, themed “Fighting Against Fake News and Upholding Information Integrity in the Mekong-Lancang Region,” held at the Sun & Moon, Riverside Hotel in Phnom Penh this morning, H.E. Pheaktra said Cambodia’s objective goes beyond merely reducing disinformation, extending to expanding the availability, accessibility and credibility of reliable information. He stressed the importance of responsible content creation, timely public communications, and active cooperation among government bodies, media organisations, journalists, educators, youth, digital influencers, and citizens. "Cambodia's commitment is clear: we will continue to strengthen our anti-fake news campaign, promote media and digital literacy, support professional and ethical journalism, and reinforce reliable public communications," H.E. Pheaktra said. H.E. Minister added that Cambodia will actively contribute to ASEAN cooperation on information and media, working closely with Lancang-Mekong partners and international stakeholders to strengthen information integrity and build broader public trust. He pointed out that the vision should transcend correcting misinformation to building an environment where reliable news travels faster than false narratives, empowering citizens to make informed decisions and allowing media institutions to fulfill their professional duties. "Technology must serve the public interest, and cooperation can strengthen mutual understanding among our peoples and nations," he remarked. H.E. Pheaktra also underlined Cambodia's support for practical, voluntary, and mutually beneficial cooperation among Lancang-Mekong countries, based on consensus and full respect for national laws and individual country contexts. Such collaboration, he noted, should complement—rather than duplicate—existing national, ASEAN, and international frameworks. By K. Rithy Reak