The Cambodian Ministry of Information says it identified and curbed more than 3,600 cases of fake news during 2024, marking a 14 percent increase compared to the previous year.
Speaking at the 20th Asia Media Summit in Siem Reap, Information Minister Neth Pheaktra said the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence is making it increasingly difficult for the public to distinguish real news from content generated by machines.
He noted that fake news continues to proliferate on social media platforms, with many cases targeting national security, politics, tourism, social issues and sensitive investigations. The minister said that once false information surfaces, it is essential for accurate and verified news to be disseminated as quickly as possible.
According to the Ministry, a total of 3,621 instances of false or misleading content were documented and addressed in 2024. In the first half of 2025 alone, 1,757 cases were recorded, reflecting a 3.29 percent increase compared to the same period in 2024 and a 15 percent rise from 2023.
Neth Pheaktra stressed that AI-generated misinformation poses growing risks to social stability, particularly in an era where technology is evolving faster than regulatory frameworks.
Soeng Senkaruna, head of the Australia-based Cambodian Centre for Democracy, warned that fake news is accelerating globally due to the spread of digital tools such as AI and social networking platforms. He said much of the disinformation is created by individuals or groups seeking personal or political gain, often distorting facts to provoke public unrest and confusion.
Soeng Senkaruna added that politically motivated misinformation is especially dangerous in Cambodia’s current context, where tensions with Thailand over a border dispute are running high. He cited as an example a report by Thai outlet Khaosod on June 8, which claimed Cambodia had agreed to withdraw troops from the Mom Bei area. In reality, both sides had only agreed to adjust troop deployments, not withdraw.
As concerns about digital misinformation continue to grow, Cambodian authorities say they are stepping up efforts to monitor and respond to content that could endanger national cohesion or regional stability.
