Cambodia Drafts Personal Data Protection Law to Strengthen Digital Economy

The Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications (MPTC) organized a "Workshop to Verify the Draft Law on Personal Data Protection" on August 5, 2026. The workshop was co-chaired by H.E. Kong Phoelleak, Secretary of State of the MPTC, and Ms. Cristina Novio Garcia, Program Manager of the European Union (EU) Delegation to Cambodia. Attendees included excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, representatives from ministries, institutions, the private sector, development partners, educational institutions, civil society, and experts. The aim was to review, verify, and gather input on the draft law before proceeding with legal procedures. H.E. Kong Phoelleak stated that data is a crucial resource for digital development, and trust is fundamental for the use of digital services, innovation, and investment. He emphasized that personal data protection not only safeguards privacy rights but also forms the foundation for responsible artificial intelligence (AI) development and the construction of a sustainable digital economy. The draft law on personal data protection has been prepared based on consultations with stakeholders and studies of national and international experiences. Its purpose is to establish a modern legal framework that protects personal data, enhances public trust, supports innovation, and increases Cambodia's competitiveness in the digital economy. The MPTC called on all relevant parties to continue contributing constructive feedback to improve the draft law's quality and effectiveness for the benefit of citizens and Cambodia's digital future. H.E. Kong Phoelleak shared his perspective that the implementation of a law does not begin on its enactment date but rather from the drafting stage and preparation phase. A law can only succeed with the participation and support of all stakeholders. In this regard, he noted that past consultations and the current verification workshop are not merely part of the drafting process but represent the initial steps towards implementation. Through the participation of all stakeholders, collective understanding has been fostered, trust has been strengthened, and preparations are underway to ensure the successful implementation of this law. H.E. Kong Phoelleak concluded by emphasizing, "Artificial intelligence (AI) may determine our future, but personal data protection will determine whether that future is trustworthy."