Journalism in the AI Era: Cambodian Information Minister Emphasizes Human Responsibility and AI Limitations

Phnom Penh, September 10, 2026 – Minister of Information, H.E. Net Pheaktra, emphasized that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a technology with great potential to facilitate work and enhance efficiency in the journalism sector. However, he stressed that fact-checking, source evaluation, and ultimate responsibility for disseminated content remain human roles. His remarks were made during a meeting where he provided recommendations and encouragement to 15 officials from the Ministry of Information who will participate in a two-week "Certificate Course in New Age Media & IT" in New Delhi, India, under the ITEC program, with support and coordination from the Indian Embassy in Cambodia. H.E. Net Pheaktra stated that in an era of rapid digital technology and AI development, journalists must learn to use these technologies as auxiliary tools to increase work efficiency, while simultaneously maintaining professional ethics, moral standards, and responsibility for the information they produce and disseminate. The Minister highlighted, "AI can help you, but AI cannot take responsibility on your behalf." Therefore, journalists and AI users need to acquire AI literacy to understand AI's capabilities and limitations, and they must not accept AI-generated results without examination and verification. He further noted that maintaining the accuracy and credibility of information is crucial for the journalism sector, especially in an age where information can be generated, processed, and shared rapidly. In this context, humans still play a core role in deciding which information should be disseminated and how. Concurrently, H.E. Net Pheaktra expressed gratitude to the Government of India and the Indian Embassy in Cambodia for their continued support in human resource capacity building, particularly in journalism and information technology, which are vital for institutional development and responding to digital technology advancements. He advised the 15 officials to diligently study, learn, and absorb new knowledge, experiences, and creative ideas from the training in India to apply and share them further within the Ministry of Information. The Minister affirmed that the Ministry of Information prioritizes human capital development and strengthening officials' capabilities, enabling the ministry to be more effective in disseminating information, serving the public, combating fake news, and enhancing the quality and credibility of information in the digital society. India's support through the ITEC program is considered part of the long-standing cooperation between Cambodia and India, contributing to human resource development and capacity building in journalism, information technology, and related fields. By: Kong Sirirath, Photos: Khum Sovannara © All rights reserved by Agence Kampuchea Presse 2018