AKP Phnom Penh, April 11, 2025 --

All forms of fake news have negative impacts on security, social order, the economy, and politics. Fake news can destabilise society, incite violence, create social chaos, erode public trust in leadership, and undermine national unity, potentially leading to unforeseen crises and disasters.

The remarks were made on April 11 by H.E. Tep Asnarith, Undersecretary of State and Spokesperson for the Ministry of Information, emphasising: "When using social media, citizens must adhere to four key practices to avoid falling victim to the dangers of unknowingly sharing harmful misinformation. 

These four practices are: 1. Avoid Rapid Sharing of Unverified Information – Before forwarding any information, take a moment to read it carefully and verify its accuracy. If the content seems unreasonable or suspicious, refrain from sharing it; 2. Do Not Rely on a Single Source – Always cross-check information from at least two additional credible sources, such as official government websites, television, radio, or professional media outlets that adhere to ethical journalism standards, before sharing; 3. Prioritise Official and Professional Media – Make it a habit to consume news from trusted state and private media outlets, both traditional and digital, that follow professional ethics. Encourage others to do the same; 4. Share Only Verified, Positive, and Beneficial Information – Disseminate only factual, constructive, and well-sourced information that benefits your family, community, and society at large. Contribute to maintaining public safety, order, and social stability." 

The spokesperson also stressed, “We must remember that rumors, hearsay, or unverified claims should never be taken as fact unless confirmed by an official and reliable source, such as an official statement or verified news report."

The "Say No to Fake News" campaign, led by the Ministry of Information, aims to safeguard citizens' right to accurate information while contributing to national security and social stability.  

The ministry calls on all citizens, social media users, content creators, and digital information sharers to join forces in preventing and eliminating the spread of fake news in society—protecting ourselves, our families, and our nation.  

"Be a responsible digital citizen today and every day—do not create or share fake news!"

By K. Rithy Reak