Cambodia's Ministry of Information has warned citizens not to trust information on Facebook and TikTok, stating these platforms are not professional news media and that anyone can publish information without verification.
On 12 July 2026, Cambodia's Ministry of Information issued a warning to the public not to believe information shared via Facebook and TikTok, noting that these platforms are not professional media because they allow any user to create accounts and share content without undergoing fact-checking, editorial review, or oversight.
Mr. Tep Asnarith, spokesperson for the Ministry of Information, said that most social media users lack journalism training, so they may spread both accurate and false information, except for official accounts of government agencies, organizations, or public figures managed by experts. He acknowledged that social media offers benefits in entertainment, commerce, and communication, but warned that if users fail to verify sources before sharing, it can cause confusion and social harm.
The ministry also stated that Cambodia currently has over 15 million social media users out of a population of about 17 million. Among students and youth, approximately 59% use Facebook and about 35% use TikTok. The ministry compared that professional media must undergo editorial checks and use reliable sources before publishing to adhere to media ethics, prioritizing accuracy and credibility over speed, even though digital news competes with rapid information delivery.
Source: Phnom Penh Post