ASEANEWS HEADLINE-PRESS FREEDOM | CAMBODIA: Spokesman of the Royal Government of Cambodia expresses outrage at civil society organizations that do not contribute to the fight against fake news.
Cambodia Focuses on Countering Fake News at 10th Asia-Europe Foundation Editors’ Roundtable
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Mr. Pen Bona, Minister Delegate to the Prime Minister and Spokesman of the Royal Government of Cambodia, has expressed outrage at the sight of a group of civil society organizations that not only did not contribute to the fight against fake news – which has a serious impact on social security – but have also come forward to defend those who create false information.
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In his statement, issued yesterday, Mr Pen said ‘It is very surprising to see a group of civil society organizations that not only did not contribute to the fight against false information, fabricated information, exaggerated and provocative, but also had a serious impact on social security and come forward and protect those who create fake information.
In addition, do they consider legal action against the creators of the fake news as a suppression of freedom of expression and a restriction on the freedom of the press?
Today, our team is very tired, with no time to rest on Saturdays, Sundays or holidays, and hardly ever rest at night because we have to clean up the false information exaggerated by the rogue group.
When we illuminate one thing, they go on to create another endless story.
The group is well-networked and well-organized because a piece of fabricated information is being shared on social media in order to incite people to hate the government.
Even during the Pchum Ben season, when people are happily reuniting with their families and celebrating, they are no exception.
Today, any country is talking about the fight against false information, making it a priority, and spreading false information is not considered freedom of expression or freedom of the press.
In order to ensure the enjoyment and security of the people, as well as to protect the important role of the press in providing true and unbiased information, all stakeholders must work together to eliminate false information by taking all possible measures against those who disseminate fake information without exception.
In this sense, legal action against individuals or networks that create and disseminate false information to pollute society is a necessary measure.
So what do civil society organizations or those who come out to defend the mastermind or the network of fabricators want?
Do they want to see more such fake, exaggerated, misleading information posted every day? Do they not want to see people calm down and avoid this dangerous false information? Or is it the agenda they want?
These are the questions that Cambodians want answered.’
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