Cambodia Pushes for Stronger Regional Cooperation Against Fake News

PHNOM PENH, Sept 19, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia has urged stronger regional cooperation to tackle misinformation and disinformation, calling on Mekong‑Lancang countries to “prevent, verify and cooperate” in responding to false information. Information Minister Neth Pheaktra made the appeal at the Zero Fake News Media Forum and Awards in Phnom Penh, attended by about 300 officials, journalists, content creators, youth representatives and other participants from across the region. Pheaktra said responses must go beyond correcting misleading claims after they spread. “We must build an information ecosystem that is resilient by design,” he said, outlining three principles: prevention through media and digital literacy, verification via professional journalism and fact‑checking, and cooperation through information‑sharing, training and timely clarification. Discussions covered emerging challenges, the role of journalists and creators, digital literacy, responsible use of artificial intelligence and regional cooperation. Cambodia highlighted its Say No to Fake News campaign, while China presented technology‑assisted rumour refutation and AI content labelling, and Vietnam outlined national verification mechanisms and coordinated responses. The forum also honoured journalists, practitioners, youth and creators with the Zero Fake News Media and Content Creator Awards. “Accuracy deserves recognition. Professionalism deserves recognition. Responsible creativity deserves recognition. And contributions to public trust deserve recognition,” Pheaktra said. Participants considered future cooperation, including exchanges, verification training, literacy programmes and information‑sharing, as well as the possible creation of a Mekong‑Lancang Information Integrity Network. Cambodia said any cooperation should be voluntary, practical and consensus‑based, respecting national laws and circumstances. Closing the event, Pheaktra pledged Cambodia’s readiness to continue working with partners to strengthen resilience, verification and access to reliable information. “Prevent through literacy. Verify through professionalism. Cooperate through partnership,” he said. The Ministry of Information thanked China for support through the Mekong‑Lancang Cooperation Special Fund and acknowledged the contributions of governments, speakers, journalists, creators and youth.