Cambodia Urges Youth to Combat Fake News

In Kampong Thom province, Cambodia, a campaign aimed at combating fake news was held, during which the province's deputy governor, On Bott, urged young social media users to cooperate in stopping the spread of false information. The campaign, titled "Say NO to Fake News," held its second phase under the theme "Strengthening Information and Media Literacy for Information Security." The event took place at Chea Sim Kompong Thma High School in Baray district, with approximately 1,500 participants, including Ms. Nghet Narynth, Director of the Provincial Department of Information, the deputy governor of Baray district, the high school principal, teachers, and students. Deputy Governor On Bott emphasized that in this era of advanced technology, every citizen is not only a recipient of information but can also become a disseminator. He stressed that responsible social media use is crucial to breaking the chain of misinformation. He urged participants to refrain from casually sharing, liking, or commenting on content from uncertain sources or fabricated material designed to attract attention. He also highlighted the importance of verifying information sources carefully, avoiding sharing based on emotional reactions or without proper consideration, warning that even a single piece of fake news or a manipulated image can damage individual reputations and cause widespread societal chaos. Ms. Nghet Narynth, Director of the Provincial Department of Information, stated that the "Say NO to Fake News" campaign is vital for enhancing the understanding of students, teachers, and the public on how to use media responsibly. She called on all students to become responsible digital citizens by practicing the principle of "verify before sharing" and by not creating, disseminating, or participating in the distribution of fake news that could lead to confusion and negatively impact society. This initiative aims to maintain the integrity of Cambodia's information space and foster healthy information literacy among the youth, particularly within educational institutions. Source: AKP Khmer