AKP Phnom Penh, May 18, 2026 --

Cambodian Information Minister H.E. Neth Pheaktra on Monday called for collective public action to combat fake news, warning of its severely detrimental impact on national society.

Speaking at the launch of the "Say No to Fake News" campaign-Phase 2 at Hun Sen Bun Rany Wat Phnom High School, which drew over 2,000 participants, the Minister emphasised that disinformation poses a significant threat that requires a unified response.

To effectively curb the spread of misinformation, H.E. Neth Pheaktra urged individuals – particularly youth – to refrain from sharing unverified content.

"If you suspect a piece of information is incorrect, do not share it," the Minister said. He cautioned students that amplifying fake news could carry legal consequences, urging them instead to focus on their education while playing their part in suppressing falsehoods online.

H.E. Neth Pheaktra outlined three core guidelines to identify and counter disinformation: Verify the source: Ensure the information originates from a reputable, clearly identified entity; Cross-reference reports: Check whether multiple credible news outlets are reporting the same story; Exercise critical thinking: Question the accuracy of a report before believing it.

He advised the public to rely on official channels, including state media and professional private outlets that cite verifiable sources, rather than anonymous or unverified online accounts.

Following the initial launch at Hun Sen Bun Rany Wat Phnom High School, the "Say No to Fake News" campaign-Phase 2 will be rolled out nationwide. The launch event was attended by provincial and municipal information department representatives, who will spearhead the initiative in schools across their respective regions.

The Ministry stated that the nationwide campaign aims to enhance media and information literacy, establishing a barrier against the proliferation of disinformation in Cambodia, with a specific focus on shielding secondary school students who are highly vulnerable to online falsehoods.

 
By K. Rithy Reak