Information Ministry reports 4,000 fake news cases in 2025

The government has rolled out a campaign urging Cambodians to ‘Say No to Fake News’. Ministry of Defence

Synopsis: The government intensifies nationwide campaign to combat misinformation and raise public awareness of its dangers.

The Ministry of Information counted nearly 4,000 cases of fake news in 2025, around 1,700 of which related to the Cambodia–Thailand border situation, as the government intensified efforts to safeguard the information space through a nationwide campaign.

The figures were highlighted in the ministry’s report on “The State of Press Freedom in Cambodia”, which outlines measures taken to combat misinformation and strengthen public awareness.

In April last year, the ministry rolled out the “Say No to Fake News” campaign, working in coordination with municipal and provincial departments nationwide to curb the spread of false information while promoting access to reliable and safe content for the public.

Central to the campaign is improving media and information literacy among Cambodia’s more than 14 million social media users, who account for roughly 78% of the population. Authorities say this is crucial in an increasingly digital society where misinformation can spread rapidly.

The Information Ministry partnered with the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications to send educational messages directly to over 23 million mobile phone users. These digital efforts complemented on-the-ground awareness campaigns, drawing participation from citizens and local authorities.

State and private media outlets have also played a key role in the campaign, producing and disseminating around 9,000 pieces of educational content in various formats. These materials aim to raise awareness about the risks of fake news and provide guidance on how to identify and prevent its spread.

AI-generated content was detected among the 4,000 cases of fake news last year. While just under half of the cases were linked to border issues, others involved toxic content, insults against leaders, and various forms of disinformation intended to create confusion and erode public trust.

The ministry responded through its Anti-Fake News Committee, which issued clarifications, shared accurate information, and debunked false claims.

Authorities also adopted an inter-ministerial approach to managing public opinion, working closely with the Ministries of Post and Telecommunications and Interior to ensure information security on social media and maintain a safe digital environment.

Officials noted that sustained public education has helped reduce the impact of fake news, particularly during tense periods involving alleged foreign military actions. The campaign has also strengthened resilience among vulnerable groups, especially youth, who make up around 66% of the population.

By enhancing awareness and critical thinking, the initiative has contributed to stronger social cohesion and national unity, while reducing susceptibility to misinformation—particularly content originating from abroad that authorities say may carry political motives.

Information Ministry spokesman Tep Asnarith has said the 2025 campaign mobilised millions of citizens to spread awareness about the dangers of fake news to millions more in Cambodia and abroad.

Cambodia’s efforts to combat fake news have been recognised by several ASEAN countries as a regional model to emulate, he said.

-Khmer Times-