Cambodia Warns Public on Fake News, Urges Verification Before Sharing

The Ministry of Information has warned that cases of “fake news” rose by nearly 30% in the first half of the year, urging the public, particularly young people, to stop sharing unverified information on social media to help protect public order and combat online misinformation. Speaking during the second phase of the nationwide “Say No to Fake News” campaign at Bun Rany Hun Sen Chariyavong High School in Kep province on July 10, ministry spokesperson Tep Asnarith noted that the irresponsible use of social media was contributing to the rapid spread of false information, with potentially serious consequences for society. The event brought together around 1,000 students, teachers and local officials, including Kep deputy governor Kim Channy and representatives from the provincial Department of Education, Youth and Sport. Asnarith said the ministry detected about 4,000 fake news cases in 2025. During the first six months of 2026 alone, authorities recorded more than 2,000 cases, representing an increase of nearly 30% compared with the corresponding period last year. “The use of social media without careful consideration can create confusion and seriously affect social security,” he said. He urged internet users to take greater responsibility before posting or forwarding content online, stressing that verifying the source of information should become a routine practice. “We must be careful. We enjoy using digital platforms where information is literally in the palm of our hands,” Asnarith said. “But fake news is also in the palm of our hands. We must let fake news end in our own hands and stop it from being shared further,” he added. The ministry said preventing the spread of false information requires cooperation from all users rather than relying solely on government action. Officials warned that unchecked misinformation could fuel public confusion, undermine trust and disrupt social harmony, particularly as social media has become a primary source of news for many Cambodians. The campaign’s second phase, themed “Strengthening Media and Information Literacy for Information Security”, was officially launched on May 18 by information minister Neth Pheaktra. It aims to raise public awareness of the dangers posed by fake news, improve media and information literacy and strengthen citizens’ ability to evaluate and responsibly use information in the digital age. The ministry said the initiative also reflects the government’s commitment to enhancing information security and building digital resilience among citizens, with a particular focus on protecting young people from online misinformation. Since its launch, the campaign has reached schools in Phnom Penh and 10 target provinces, including Preah Vihear, Takeo, Kampong Speu, Siem Reap, Kampong Cham, Kampong Thom, Pursat, Kampot and Kep. The ministry said the programme will continue expanding throughout the year, with the goal of reaching schools in all 25 capital-provinces by the end of the year.