Phnom penh: Fake news has become a shared regional challenge that requires collective action, as no single country, institution, media organisation, digital platform, or community can tackle the issue alone, according to Cambodian Minister of Information H.E. Neth Pheaktra. Speaking at the closing ceremony of the Zero Fake News Campaign: Strengthening Anti-Misinformation Efforts Following Combating Fake News for Journalists (Phase 2), the Minister emphasised that misinformation has evolved beyond a media concern into a strategic issue affecting public trust, social harmony, national resilience, digital security, regional confidence, and sustainable development.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, H.E. Neth Pheaktra noted that in the digital era, false information can spread rapidly across borders, languages, platforms, and communities within minutes. Such misinformation can mislead citizens, generate fear, weaken confidence in public institutions, disrupt social cohesion, and undermine regional cooperation. He stressed that information integrity forms the foundation of public trust, while public trust supports peace and social order-both of which are essential for sustainable development at the national, regional, and global levels.
The Minister stated that the fight against fake news is not only about correcting false information but also about protecting peace, preserving social order, and ensuring societies can move forward with confidence and resilience. Addressing the growing challenges posed by emerging technologies, he warned that countries in the Mekong-Lancang region must prepare for a new generation of misinformation driven by artificial intelligence, deepfakes, and coordinated disinformation campaigns.
H.E. Neth Pheaktra called on governments to invest in digital verification tools, AI literacy, technical capacity building, and regional knowledge-sharing initiatives to strengthen defenses against increasingly sophisticated online deception. At the regional level, he highlighted the potential role of the Mekong-Lancang Cooperation (MLC) framework in combating misinformation and promoting information integrity among member countries.
To advance this goal, he proposed initiatives such as establishing a Mekong-Lancang Information Integrity Network for regular information sharing among various stakeholders and creating a regional fact-checking and rapid response mechanism. This mechanism would enable member countries to verify information efficiently and coordinate responses to false narratives during crises and other sensitive situations.
The Minister also advocated for joint public awareness campaigns promoting responsible online behaviour and expanded media and digital literacy programmes targeting various demographics. He emphasised the importance of educational materials being practical and adaptable to national and local languages to ensure broad accessibility.
Recognising the role of media professionals and digital content creators, H.E. Neth Pheaktra proposed capacity-building programmes focusing on fact-checking, crisis communication, and responsible digital engagement. He encouraged stronger cooperation among governments, media institutions, technology companies, and digital platforms to improve misinformation detection and public education while respecting national circumstances.
Among other recommendations, he proposed pilot projects and follow-up activities such as school outreach programmes, youth ambassador initiatives, media competitions, regional workshops, and joint fact-checking exercises. Concluding his remarks, H.E. Neth Pheaktra called for the adoption of a shared regional principle of responsible information sharing, founded on truth, mutual respect, and constructive dialogue.
He emphasised that a trusted Mekong-Lancang information space must be built on cooperation, facts, and responsibility, not confrontation, rumors, or manipulation.