In order to avoid threats to national security and prevent danger to the personnel serving the homeland, Cambodia’s Ministry of Information has prohibited the publication or dissemination of information related to military positions, troop movements, weaponry and military equipment, or any other data that my compromise operational security.
The ban was announced today, August 1, following the ministry’s observation that certain journalists and social media users have published images from frontline combat zones, revealing troop positions, weapon systems, military equipment, strategic operations and even combat tactics. Such disclosures pose a serious risk to national security, the lives of soldiers and the success of military missions undertaken to defend Cambodia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, it warned.
“All publication and dissemination of information must ensure that they do not compromise national security, disrupt national unity, demoralise troops, damage international relations, incite racial or religious unrest, infringe upon individual rights, or distort public perception, either domestically and internationally,” it said.
“All such information must be verified with official sources from national leadership, the Royal Government of Cambodia, the Ministry of National Defence, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Ministry of Information and other relevant institutions,” it added.
The ministry also instructed that any travel or reporting at front-line areas must be approved in advance by the ministry and local authorities. It emphasised the need to minimise exposure for the sake of personal safety and national security, and reminded all media professionals to uphold the journalistic code of ethics, adhere to the Press Law, and follow Cambodia’s established legal and professional standards.
It warned that legal action will be taken against anyone found to be violating these guidelines.
Additionally, the ministry appealed to the public not to share false information and to contribute to the protection of truth, peace and national harmony.
It noted that the participation of journalists and the public is seen as vital in preventing and eliminating fake news, disinformation and manipulative content that distorts the reality on the ground in Cambodia — particularly content fabricated by external parties in an attempt to justify encroachments on Cambodia’s territorial integrity.
