8-6-2024 (PHNOM PENH) Representatives from media outlets and think tanks across Southeast Asia have issued a joint clarion call, denouncing the corrosive effects of fake news on societal cohesion and informed public discourse.
The rallying cry emerged from the “Third Mekong Journalism Training Workshop on The Role of Media in Combating Disinformation and Fake News in (Artificial Intelligence) AI Context for Regional Peace, Stability, and Prosperity,” held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on June 5-6. Kin Phea, director general of the International Relations Institute of Cambodia (IRIC), an arm of the Royal Academy of Cambodia, revealed that the gathering drew over 70 media practitioners and academics from nations including Cambodia, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
“Seeing that social media platforms have unfortunately become fertile grounds for the proliferation of fake news, the representatives of media and think tanks from Southeast Asia, who participated in the workshop, have called for joint effort and collaboration to combat disinformation and fake news,” Phea told Xinhua news agency.
He underscored the grave concerns shared by the attendees, stating, “They understand that disinformation and fake news have fueled societal divisions and obstructed informed public discourse.”
In a joint statement released after the workshop, the participants expressed their appreciation for the pivotal role played by the media and think tanks in countering disinformation and fake news in the AI era, lauding their collective efforts in promoting regional peace, stability, and prosperity.
The statement outlined a series of resolute calls to action, urging journalists, media platforms, governments, and other stakeholders to uphold the highest ethical standards, prioritizing fact-checking and verification of all information before publishing to ensure accuracy and credibility. Additionally, it encouraged social media companies and platforms to harness advanced technology to develop solutions for identifying fabricated content.
Recognizing the need for robust regulatory frameworks, the statement advocated for the strengthening and updating of AI-related regulations to prevent the proliferation of manipulated “news” sites. It also proposed that countries assign dedicated spokespersons to disseminate accurate information tailored to their specific contexts.
Perhaps most significantly, the statement called for the establishment of an ASEAN platform dedicated to combating disinformation and fake news, underscoring the regional imperative to confront this pervasive threat through coordinated and concerted efforts.
The joint appeal from Southeast Asian media and think tank representatives comes amidst a global reckoning with the far-reaching consequences of fake news and disinformation. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, fueled by the rapid advancement of AI and social media platforms, the need for robust safeguards and collaborative action has become increasingly urgent.
