1-7-2023 (PHNOM PENH) The Prime Minister of Cambodia, Samdech Techo Hun Sen, announced on Friday that the country has decided to expel the representative of Facebook. In a voice message made public, Hun Sen stated that while he has no intention of blocking Facebook access in Cambodia, he will no longer allow the social media giant to have a representative in the country.
Hun Sen accused Facebook of displaying bias and ignoring “insulting” remarks made by exiled political opponents against Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni, himself, and his family members.
Late on Friday, the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications (MPTC) issued a statement confirming the expulsion of the Facebook representative from Cambodia. The MPTC stated that all activities of Facebook, including company representation, relations with the government, and partnership cooperation in the private sector, would cease.
According to the statement, the MPTC found several irregularities in Facebook’s services for Cambodian users. These include the creation of fake accounts, risks associated with private data, the use and collection of personal information, the spread of fake news, a lack of accountability and transparency, and interference in the country’s political affairs.
The expulsion of the Facebook representative comes amidst growing concerns about the role of social media platforms in influencing public opinion and political discourse in Cambodia. The government’s decision reflects its determination to address these issues and ensure the integrity and sovereignty of the country’s political landscape.
