Ministry says surge in fake news linked to border tensions

In the first nine months of this year, the Anti-Fake News Committee identified a total of 2,810 cases involving fake news, misinformation, incitement, social pollution, insults, and false reports related to the border dispute.

Among these, 2,122 cases were linked to the distortion of facts and the fabrication of information concerning the government and the border issues.

The Anti-Fake News Committee convened a meeting yesterday at the Ministry of Information.

Information Minister Neth Pheaktra noted that the spread of fake news has increased over the past five months, particularly regarding the Cambodia–Thailand border situation.

Cambodia and Thailand engaged in five days of armed clashes in July, which were followed by a ceasefire agreement on July 28. However, tensions remain, including over the forced eviction of Cambodian villagers by Thai authorities in Banteay Meanchey province’s O’Chrov district.

On Sunday, both countries signed a Joint Declaration in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to reaffirm their commitment to pursuing a peaceful resolution to the border dispute.

To combat the growing problem, the Anti-Fake News Committee, led by the ministry, has implemented several proactive measures under the approach of “putting out the fire, not sitting and watching the smoke.”

These include the implementation and updating of the Press Law; enforcing professional ethics among journalists in line with the press charter; providing training and capacity-building for journalists and social media influencers; promoting media and information literacy among the public; conducting a nationwide campaign against fake news by establishing mechanisms at national to sub-national levels.

Pheaktra urged the public to take part in the initiative, saying: “To prevent Cambodia from being polluted by fake news, please do not create, share, or support it. Fake news must be neutralised with real news. If you encounter fake information, respond immediately with accurate and reliable facts, supported by clear sources—be it through text, photos, or videos.”KhmerTime