Phnom Penh: Minister of Information Neth Pheaktra announced plans for the Ministry of Information to launch an “Anti-Fake News Campaign” aimed at preventing and combating the spread of false information. The campaign will focus on educating the public on how to identify real versus fake news.

Minister Pheaktra made the announcement during the closing ceremony of a seminar on the Journalism Professional Charter and the Code of Ethics for Journalists in Cambodia, which was co-hosted by the Ministry of Information and the Electronic Journalists Association (MSJ) on January 11, 2025. The event took place at the Chaktomuk Mongkol Hall and was attended by over 400 journalists.

The Minister urged all journalists to participate in the upcoming campaign, emphasizing its importance in ensuring both journalist safety and public awareness. He highlighted that the initiative aims to promote the dissemination of accurate information while raising awareness about the impact of fake news on society. "This campaign will foster public understanding of measures to prevent the spread of misinformation and encourage responsible use of social media," he stated.

Pheaktra expressed optimism that the fight against fake news represents an important step toward increasing awareness about its ramifications nationwide. He noted that the initiative has garnered support from various countries within the ASEAN region and beyond.

The Minister explained that the “Journalism Charter” serves as a fundamental framework for ethical standards within the profession, promoting accountability, independence, and professionalism among journalists in Cambodia. He reiterated that this charter is crucial for establishing order in the journalism sector and protecting journalists' rights.

During his remarks, Minister Pheaktra emphasized that journalists should act as informed spokespersons rather than arbiters of truth. He urged them to adhere to the Constitution and relevant laws while ensuring that information published is derived from credible sources. He also stressed that journalists bear sole responsibility for the accuracy of the information they disseminate.

In August 2024, the Ministry of Information introduced the “Journalism Professional Charter,” drafted through the collective efforts of journalists, to bolster press freedom and protect the rights of journalists in Cambodia. The Minister reported that the ministry has made significant advancements in information security and assessed that order in the press has improved over the past year. 

During the seminar, Pheaktra outlined three key points for ensuring information security: ensuring citizens' right to information, producing high-quality content that educates the public, and maintaining a responsible dissemination of information in light of evolving digital technology.

He reminded journalists of their crucial role in ensuring the public receives accurate information, stating, “If the information published by the press is correct, it will empower citizens to make well-informed decisions.”

The Minister also highlighted the need for a unified effort in management practices within the media sector to enhance the credibility and professionalism of journalism in Cambodia. He stated, “We must collaboratively develop our information and audiovisual sector to compete effectively on regional and global stages.”

Pheaktra concluded by calling for an ongoing commitment to press freedom, professional development, and ethical journalism practices while renewing efforts to ensure the legal framework governing the media sector supports the protection of rights and promotes information quality and security.