Kuala Lumpur: Speaking at the Opening Ceremony of the 19th Asia Press Summit, organized by the Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development (AIBD) on September 3, 2024, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the Minister of Information of Cambodia, Mr. Neth Pheaktra, highlighted the critical need for regional cooperation to strengthen information security for consumers. He emphasized that this should be a priority for all member countries, especially in the context of the digital age and the rise of artificial intelligence, which has accelerated the spread of fake information.

During his speech, Mr. Neth Pheaktra addressed the significant challenges and negative consequences posed by the dissemination of false or misleading information on social media platforms. He called on the representatives of AIBD member countries to collaborate and raise public awareness through the "Say No to Fake Information" campaign. This initiative, led by Cambodia, is scheduled for an official launch by the end of 2024 and aims to combat the spread of misinformation by promoting responsible information consumption.

Mr. Neth Pheaktra underscored the importance of cooperation among AIBD member countries and associated nations to reinforce information security and public order, thereby enhancing public resilience and trust in the information landscape. He reiterated that in the current digital age, ensuring the security and integrity of information is a shared responsibility and a top priority.

The Minister shared Cambodia's proactive measures in combating misinformation, detailing efforts such as the establishment of the Anti-Fake Information Committee and the Commission for the Control of Fake Information. He also highlighted the recent promulgation of the "Journalism Professional Charter" on August 6, 2024, which sets ethical standards for journalists and content creators to support press freedom while ensuring accountability and the quality of information disseminated.

It is noteworthy that during the closing ceremony of the 49th Annual Meeting and the 22nd General Assembly of AIBD on September 1, 2024, Mr. Neth Pheaktra had already called on member countries to join Cambodia's campaign against fake information. The initiative was well received, with significant expressions of support from participating countries.

The Minister’s call to action at the Asia Press Summit reflects a broader commitment to tackling the global challenge of misinformation and underscores the need for collective efforts to protect information security for consumers across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.