Cambodia Leads Regional Push Against Fake News Through Mekong Cooperation

PHNOM PENH, June 2, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia has called for stronger regional cooperation to combat fake news and disinformation as Phnom Penh hosted the “Zero Fake News Campaign” forum under the Mekong‑Lancang Cooperation framework, officials said Tuesday.

Opening the event, Information Minister Net Pheaktra warned that misinformation, manipulated content and harmful online narratives are increasingly threatening public trust, social stability and regional cooperation. “Fake news can now spread across borders within minutes,” he said, stressing that the challenge extends beyond media to governance, resilience and confidence.

Held under the theme “Building Regional Trust, Digital Resilience, and Responsible Information Sharing”, the forum gathered delegates from Cambodia, China, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam alongside journalists, fact‑checkers and communication experts.

Pheaktra highlighted risks posed by artificial intelligence, deepfakes and synthetic media, noting Cambodia’s response aligns with the government’s Pentagonal Strategy Phase 1, which prioritizes governance, modernization and digital transformation. He said the approach focuses on media literacy, ethical journalism and public participation rather than regulation alone.

Priorities include strengthening digital literacy among youth, improving official communication systems, promoting professional journalism and encouraging citizens to verify information before sharing. Cambodia recently launched Phase 2 of its national “Say No to Fake News” campaign to boost critical thinking and responsible online behavior.

At the forum, Cambodia proposed creating a Mekong Information Integrity Network, a regional fact‑checking mechanism, joint awareness campaigns and expanded training for journalists and digital influencers. Pheaktra emphasized that no single country can tackle the issue alone, thanking China for supporting the initiative through the Mekong‑Lancang Special Fund.