Ministry aims to shut down Coronavirus fake news dissemination

The Information Ministry is aiming to work with Facebook to prevent the spread of fake news about the ongoing Coronavirus outbreak, which the ministry said could obstruct efforts to control the situation in the Kingdom.

Prime Minister Hun Sen last week called fake news more dangerous than the virus itself and ordered the ministry to take countermeasures.

Phos Sovann, director-general of the ministry’s general department of information and broadcasting, yesterday said it is collaborating with the Interior Ministry and the Posts and Telecommunication Ministry, who contacted Facebook to stop the spread of fake news because false information could cause a panic.

“The Interior Ministry is monitoring Facebook accounts and pages that disseminate fake news about the Coronavirus outbreak because it is frightening people,” Mr Sovann said. “We are asking Facebook to take down those accounts and pages.”

He said all three ministries will take legal action against all media outlets publishing and spreading fake news about the Coronavirus.

“We are now discussing it with ministry officials to find ways to halt fake news,” Mr Sovann said.

He noted the ministry has identified at least 50 websites and Facebook pages spreading fake news.

Moeun Chhean Nariddh, director of the Cambodian Institute for Media Studies, yesterday hailed the Information Ministry’s move against fake news but said the ministry must update the press on all Coronavirus developments.

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