Cambodia

Citizens reminded of strong penalties for producing pornography: The General Department of Anti-Technology Crime reminded Cambodians and foreigners of strong penalties for producing, possessing, distributing, selling, renting, displaying, showing or displaying in public, on social media and on the internet, pornographic images and videos, especially child pornography.

Over 7,000 illegal gambling and porn websites blocked: Over 7,000 illegal gambling and porn websites were blocked in Cambodia.

Licenses of three Khmer-language news outlets revoked: The Ministry of Information revoked the media licenses of Federation of Cambodia–ASEAN Journalists, Raksmey Kampong Cham, and Dumming Knonh Srok for alleged ethics violations.

VOD's media license revoked: The government revoked the media operating license of Voice of Democracy (VOD)'s parent organization, effectively shutting down one of the country’s last independent news outlets.

TRC orders blocking of VOD news sites: The Telecommunication Regulator of Cambodia (TRC) ordered ISPs to block the English- and Khmer-language news sites belonging to Voice of Democracy (VOD).

Ministry of Women’s Affairs plans social media code of ethics: The Ministry of Women’s Affairs announced plans to develop a social media code of ethics to curb the posting of 'provocative' and 'immoral' images and videos by online users, particularly women.

Implementation of NIG sub-decree delayed: The government announced a delay in the implementation of the highly controversial National Internet Gateway sub-decree.

Ministry of Interior and Chinese law enforcement agree to 'anti-crime plan': Chinese law enforcement officials agreed to provide the National Police with equipment, including biometric surveillance technology, raising fears of its use against dissidents.

Law on Measures to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 adopted: This law was adopted, criminalizing 'intentionally obstructing' COVID-19 measures and used to target online speech related to the pandemic.

Sub-decree on the Establishment of the National Internet Gateway (NIG) signed: Prime Minister Hun Sen signed the sub-decree, centralizing internet traffic and enabling increased online surveillance, censorship, and control.

Ministry of Information announced increased monitoring of social media: The Ministry of Information announced its intentions to increase monitoring of TikTok and private communications platforms, including WhatsApp, Telegram, and Messenger.

Third draft of cybercrime bill leaked: A leaked third draft of a cybercrime bill revealed broadened scope, raising alarms from rights groups for its potential to intensify crackdowns on free expression and privacy.

Law on the Management of the Nation in a State of Emergency passed: This law was passed to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, empowering the government to monitor information online, ban or restrict news and media sharing, and implement other necessary measures.

Crackdown on 'sexy' online sellers announced: The government announced a crackdown on women who dress 'too sexily' while advertising on social media, claiming it damages Khmer culture.

PM instructs MPTC on direct internet access: Prime Minister Hun Sen instructed the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications (MPTC) to address the need for Cambodia to gain direct access to the international internet gateway for national security reasons.

Ministry of Interior plans Security Operation Center (SOC): The Ministry of Interior’s information technology department announced plans to create a SOC to monitor online threats on all digital platforms.

Ministry of Information signed 'Angkor 'Anti-Fake News' Initiative': The Ministry of Information signed an initiative to conduct research on disinformation to inform new policies related to false information.

PM calls for anti-fake news law: Prime Minister Hun Sen called on relevant ministries to consider drafting a law against 'fake news'.

Inter-Ministerial Prakas on Website and Social Media Control adopted: This proclamation was adopted, requiring ISPs to install surveillance software and granting authorities power to block or close web pages and social media containing 'illegal content'.

Constitutional and Criminal Code amendments adopted: Amendments to the constitution and criminal code were adopted, introducing a lèse-majesté offense (Article 437) and restricting fundamental freedoms, including freedom of expression online.

Law on Associations and Non-Governmental Organizations (LANGO) enacted: LANGO was enacted, containing provisions that can restrict freedom of expression, including online, by requiring CSOs to act neutrally toward political parties.

Penal Code of the Kingdom of Cambodia enacted: The Penal Code was enacted, including articles addressing 'Offences against Public Decency' and 'Pornography', prohibiting production, distribution, and public display of pornographic material.

Press Law enacted: The Press Law was enacted, containing provisions that can restrict content, including that which does not promote 'the good custom of society'.