Cambodia Pushes Legal Reform and Ethical Strengthening for Quality Information Sector

Minister of Information Net Pheaktra stated that building a quality information and broadcasting sector cannot rely solely on laws but must depend on the integrity, ethics, professionalism, and shared responsibility of all stakeholders to foster an information environment that earns public trust. He further revealed that the Ministry of Information is continuously modernizing and reforming the legal framework for the information and broadcasting sectors to align with the digital transformation, technological evolution, and global trends. This aims to enhance journalistic professionalism, respect the rule of law, and provide public services more effectively. The remarks were made during the opening ceremony of a seminar on "Legal Frameworks in the Information and Broadcasting Sectors" under the theme "Professionalism and Public Service," organized by the General Department of Information and Broadcasting, held at the Ministry's headquarters on July 31, 2026, with approximately 240 journalists in attendance. Minister Pheaktra emphasized that in the digital era, the information and broadcasting sectors play a crucial role in connecting the government with the public, shaping public opinion, and promoting social development. Simultaneously, the sector faces new challenges such as fake news, polluting information, and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and deepfake technologies, requiring all parties to use technology responsibly and adhere to laws and professional ethics. He underscored that the government views the information and broadcasting sectors not merely as a business field or a platform for expressing opinions, but as a vital pillar for building democracy, promoting good governance, strengthening information security, and fostering trust between the state and its citizens. Therefore, managing the information sector requires balancing freedom with responsibility, rights with obligations, and innovation with the rule of law. The Ministry of Information's key future directions include updating outdated legal documents, developing a legal code for the information sector, simplifying and making procedures more transparent, modernizing data management systems for media organizations and digital licensing, and promoting self-regulation mechanisms through adherence to professional ethics and information verification. Furthermore, Minister Pheaktra called for clear interpretations of the legal framework concerning content creators, social media influencers, and online information businesses to ensure their activities comply with the law and do not harm public order, information security, or social ethics. He urged journalists to uphold the principles of "accuracy, truthfulness, and responsibility," avoiding the dissemination of unverified information, fake news, or content that infringes upon honor, dignity, and individual rights. Concurrently, the Ministry of Information will continue to protect the legal rights and interests of professional journalists who perform their duties with integrity and professionalism. Minister Pheaktra also instructed journalists to respect the rights and dignity of women, children, persons with disabilities, and vulnerable groups when reporting news. He also promoted media and information literacy education to enhance the public's ability to verify information and combat fake news. Minister Pheaktra expressed confidence that the seminar's outcomes will contribute to strengthening legal understanding, promoting respect for the rule of law, and developing the information and broadcasting sectors in Cambodia to be more qualitative, professional, transparent, and sustainable.