Social media influencers and content creators met with information minister Neth Pheaktra on December 3. Information ministry
The Minister of Information has underscored the crucial role of online content creators in producing entertainment and educational material, distinguishing them from those involved in make-money-online (MMO) schemes, who are often driven by profit rather than truth or ethics.
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Information minister Neth Pheaktra addressed over 100 content creators during a meeting on December 3, praising their contributions to public entertainment and information. He highlighted their significant role in maintaining social order.
“Content creators differ from MMO groups who neglect professional ethics and focus solely on ‘likes’, ‘comments’ and ‘shares’ to generate income from platforms like Facebook and TikTok,” he said.
The minister encouraged social media influencers to continue producing meaningful content that resonates not only with local audiences but also globally.
He urged them to showcase the country’s achievements and realities to the world, thereby fostering national pride and contributing to peace and stability.
Pheaktra called on content creators to uphold professional ethics when using social media platforms. This includes avoiding the publication of nudity, violent imagery or content that promotes hatred or discrimination. He stressed the importance of adhering to journalistic ethics and moral principles in digital communication.
“Content creators must exercise caution; if there is uncertainty, refrain from posting. When false or inaccurate information is shared, it spreads rapidly, but corrections rarely receive the same level of attention,” he emphasised.
A recent UNESCO study revealed that two-thirds of online content creators fail to verify information before posting, underscoring the need for fact-checking in digital media. To address this issue, the organisation has launched global courses for content creators, including in Cambodia.
Pa Chanroeun, president of the Cambodian Institute for Democracy (CID), noted that many local social media content creators often neglect ethical considerations in their work.
He attributed this trend to a lack of training in journalism and content creation ethics, with most creators prioritising income generation from social media platforms or sponsorships.
“I have observed that many employ tactics focusing on negativity to attract ‘views’, ‘likes’ and ‘shares’,” said Chanroeun. “To help social media users avoid misinformation or unverified content, I encourage content creators to pursue schooling in journalism and broadcasting ethics.”
